When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he creates new techniques … not many players possess that ability".
That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond mere victory to include redefining excellence within snooker.
Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains the distinction of being the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark reaching fifty.
At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor would be remarkable, yet his half-century means that three of the top six world players have entered their fifties.
Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.
Yet, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, holding the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.
This legendary trio, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in professional snooker.
According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the primary distinction between generations is psychological.
"I typically faulted my form for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he stated. "It seemed like inevitable progression.
"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. It's all mental… you can compete longer than expected."
The Rocket's approach has been influenced through working with a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"
"If you focus on age, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' I discourage that. If you want to win, and continue performing, then ignore age."
This guidance Ronnie adopted, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."
Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.
O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.
"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, long distance," Mark stated this season.
The two-time world champion has contemplated vision correction but postponed it multiple times, most recently in November, mainly because he keeps succeeding.
Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.
A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that without conditions such as cataracts, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.
"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she said.
"But our minds adjust to difficulties continuously, even into old age.
"Yet, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."
"In time in precision sports, your physique betrays your intentions," Steve noted.
"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the speed was off.
"Shot strength is the critical factor with no easy fix. That will occur."
Ronnie's psychological training paired with careful body management and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.
"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"
Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.
Although John Higgins shed over three stone in 2021, crediting regular exercise, he now admits the weight returned but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.
"The toughest aspect as you older is training. That love for the game needs to continue," added another expert.
The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to train consistently".
"But I believe that's normal," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."
John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on performance in smaller competitions.
"It's challenging," he said. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend all these events."
O'Sullivan, too has reduced his tournament appearances after moving abroad. The UK Championship marks his first domestic competition currently.
Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Like in other sports where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.
"If one succeeds, it raises the question why can't they?" commented an analyst. "I think they've inspired each other."
Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve despite my age with poor vision, a unreliable arm and bad knees and they still lose."
Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, few competitors risen to control the season. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.
But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with innate ability rarely seen, remembered since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.
"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, watching the youngster potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.
O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "isn't everything."
Yet, he implied previously that droughts fuel his drive.
It's been nearly two years without his last ranking title, yet legends think this birthday could motivate him.
"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.
"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."
