Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors can do that".
That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory to include setting new standards in the sport.
Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.
At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.
Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.
Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.
The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.
According to the legend, now 68, the key difference between generations is psychological.
"I typically faulted my technique when losing, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.
"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."
O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"
"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."
This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate where I am."
While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.
Ronnie stays fit through running, yet difficult to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows very well.
"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared recently.
The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.
Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.
A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.
"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.
"But our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.
"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."
"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.
"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I noticed was that although I aimed straight, the speed was off.
"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."
Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.
"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"
Williams also discovered dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.
Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.
"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.
The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".
"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."
Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.
"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."
O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament this season.
But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.
"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."
After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."
While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.
But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.
"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards including a fax machine.
Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."
Yet, he implied in the past that droughts help maintain drive.
Almost two years without a tournament win, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.
"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves amazing audiences.
"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."
