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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke about his snooker idol in 1990, he remarked "he invents shots … not many players can do that".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence in the sport.

Today, 35 years later, he exceeded the accomplishments of his heroes and during the ongoing tournament, where he holds records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.

In professional sports, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked world players have entered their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction alongside Ronnie for most world championships, claimed his final ranking event at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.

This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds stay at the top in professional snooker.

Mental Strength

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

"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like the natural cycle.

"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

The Rocket's approach has been influenced by psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. During a recent film, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, 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!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

Such advice Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not to overburden myself … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

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

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

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Mark stated recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she said.

"However our minds adjust to difficulties throughout life, including senior years.

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, bodily factors could decline."

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

"Your cue action doesn't perform as required. The initial sign I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight becomes problematic and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

Ronnie's psychological training coincided with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.

"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented a former champion. "He appears he's 50!"

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

And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending setting up equipment for renewed motivation.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is practice. That passion for the game must persist," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he struggles "to train consistently".

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

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where major event qualification depends on performance in smaller competitions.

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

Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his tournament appearances since relocating to Dubai. The UK Championship marks his first home tournament currently.

Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons motivated one another to greater heights, similarly O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they've inspired one another."

The Lack of Challengers

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, arm issues and knee problems and they still lose."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, few competitors risen to control the tour. Exemplified by current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, who possesses exceptional natural talent unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

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

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

Yet, he implied in the past that losing streaks fuel his drive.

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

"Perhaps this milestone provides the impetus Ronnie needs to demonstrate his greatness," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun everyone… That would be an incredible accomplishment."