🔗 Share this article

When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, 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 most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, also celebrated reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, however, continue to resist declining. This article examines why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in world snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. To maintain success, and continue performing, then ignore age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

While not physically demanding, winning depends on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit through running, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Williams shared this season.

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

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges throughout life, even into old age.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your body fails your mind," Steve noted.

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

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, eats healthily," said a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

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

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule after moving abroad. This event marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared 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 makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player claimed the latest World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, where 11 different winners have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."

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

It's been nearly two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark he requires to demonstrate his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be a historic feat."