🔗 Share this article

When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include 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 his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record alongside Ronnie for most world championships, won his last ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, came as a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist fading away. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced through working with a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, but it's challenging to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, who coaches athletes, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

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

"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.

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

"Shot strength becomes problematic and there's no solution. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work coincided with careful body management often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That love for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

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

"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated reducing his schedule yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend all these events."

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I believe they've inspired one another."

Absence of New Rivals

After his latest Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "need to improve because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."

Although a Chinese player won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

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

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"Should he claim this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."