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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. The seven-time world champion, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows intimately.

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

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our brains adapt to challenges continuously, even into old age.

"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

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

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits he regained it though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving abroad. This event is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table securing rewards including a fax machine.

Ronnie often states that victories "aren't crucial."

However, he implied previously that droughts fuel his drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."