🔗 Share this article

When a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis decades ago, he remarked "he creates new techniques … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches encompassing setting new standards in the sport.

Now, after three decades, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as an unexpected result.

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

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras is psychological.

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

"These three champions have proven otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting over a decade ago. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "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 O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "alright," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

The Body

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, yet difficult to prevent aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands intimately.

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

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

Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"However our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, including senior years.

"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors may fail."

"In time in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.

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

"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "He appears thirty years younger!"

Williams also discovered dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he now admits the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

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

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

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

O'Sullivan, too cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament this season.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why not the others?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the season. This is evident current outcomes, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, and he loves astonishing people.

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