🔗 Share this article

Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he exceeded the accomplishments of those he admired 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.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction across eras lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have proven that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"If you focus on age, you activate negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, explained that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, even into old age.

"But, even if vision remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."

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

"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I noticed was that while alignment was good, the speed was off.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance for his success.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits 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 regular exercise, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".

"However, I think that's natural," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

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

"It's a balancing act," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."

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

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors 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 believe they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions claimed the first 11 events.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."