🔗 Share this article

Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … few competitors possess that ability".

That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of those he admired and during this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains records for both the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates his 50th birthday.

At the elite level, having just one player of that age would be remarkable, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, 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, stubbornly refuse fading away. 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 key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… you can compete longer beyond predictions."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and continue performing, disregard your age."

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

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor youthful players.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

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

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

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

"All people, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," 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 as required. The initial sign I noticed involved while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care often stressing the role of diet in his achievements.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," said an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly maintains stamina during long sessions.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he currently says the weight returned but plans setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That passion for snooker needs to continue," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, stated in September he struggles "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "Getting older, priorities shift."

Higgins has contemplated 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 explained. "It can harm psychological well-being trying to play all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three appear ready to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they motivate each other."

Absence of New Rivals

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, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors risen to control the season. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.

Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered from his teenage appearance on television.

"His stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested previously that droughts help maintain motivation.

Almost two years without a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would amaze everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."