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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement 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 exceeded the achievements of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

However, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore how three veterans stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions such as cataracts, the mind adapts to impaired vision.

"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he incorporates pre-game nutrition, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that a historic feat."