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When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form for failures, rather than retraining my mind," he stated. "It seemed like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have proven otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," adding: "I avoid putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

While not physically demanding, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm fails to execute properly. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance for his success.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."

John considered reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus Ronnie needs to show his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."