🔗 Share this article

Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding his snooker idol in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.

At the elite level, for a single player of that age would be remarkable, yet his half-century signifies that three of the top six world players have entered their sixth decade.

Mark Williams and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan turned pro over thirty years ago, similarly marked their 50th birthdays recently.

Yet, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, holding the record alongside Ronnie of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse declining. This article examines how three veterans remain competitive in world snooker.

Mental Strength

According to the legend, now 68, the primary distinction between generations lies in mentality.

"I typically faulted my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"

"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."

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

The Body

Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, medium distance, far shots," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered vision correction delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining 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, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.

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

"But, should eyesight remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"Eventually in precision sports, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."

Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits recently, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

And while Higgins lost significant weight in 2021, crediting spin classes, he now admits he regained it 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 face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where major event qualification rely on performance in smaller competitions.

"It's a balancing act," he said. "Negatively affect mental health attempting to attend all these events."

O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

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

The Lack of Challengers

After his latest major victory at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's world title, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions 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 stance, you could immediately see," he said, watching the youngster rapidly clearing the table to win prizes like outdated technology.

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

Yet, he implied previously that droughts help maintain drive.

Almost two years without his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire him.

"Perhaps this milestone is the spark he requires to show his skill," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

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