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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards in the sport.

Today, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that multiple top-ranked world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.

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

The Mind

For Steve Davis, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, instead of retraining my mind," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… careers can extend beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

The Body

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

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, something Mark knows very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

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

"But our brains adapt to difficulties throughout life, even into old age.

"But, even if vision isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," 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 and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

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

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

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy through extended matches.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to regular exercise, he currently says he regained it though intending setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he struggles "to train consistently".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship is his initial home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to retire yet. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it raises the question why not the others?" said a pundit. "I think they've inspired each other."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "need to improve despite my age failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and bad knees yet they can't win."

Although a Chinese player won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered from his teenage appearance on a 1992 gameshow.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that victories "isn't everything."

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

Almost two years since his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves amazing audiences.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."