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When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned regarding Steve Davis decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive isn't limited to winning matches to include setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the achievements of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, a competition where he maintains 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 three of the top six world players are now in their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays this year.

However, this remarkable longevity are not guaranteed in this sport. The seven-time world champion, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered an unexpected result.

The Class of 92, though, stubbornly refuse declining. Here we explore how three veterans remain competitive in professional snooker.

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference across eras is psychological.

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

"Ronnie, John and Mark have proven otherwise. 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 since 2011. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asks him: "How long can I play, to avoid uncertainty?"

"By fixating on years, you trigger self-fulfilling prophecies," he advises. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that he feels "acceptable," noting: "I avoid to overburden myself … I appreciate this life stage."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be physically demanding, winning depends on physical traits usually benefiting youthful players.

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to avoid aging effects, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.

"It amuses me. I require glasses for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared this season.

The two-time world champion has contemplated lens replacement surgery delaying it multiple times, most recently in November, primarily since he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from neuroplasticity, a mental phenomenon.

A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to weaker eyesight.

"All people, by your mid-30s, or early forties, will notice the eye lens stiffening," she said.

"But our minds adjust to challenges continuously, including senior years.

"But, even if vision remain fine, bodily factors could decline."

"In time in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Steve noted.

"Your arm doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

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

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

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

Williams also discovered nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, which he claims 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 home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The toughest aspect with age is training. That passion for the game must persist," added another expert.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he struggles "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's normal," John added. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his European schedule since relocating to Dubai. This event is his initial home tournament currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals like Federer, Nadal and Djokovic pushed each other to excel, 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 one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."

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

But it's difficult competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, remembered since his youth on television.

"His stance, was obvious instantly," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

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

However, he has suggested previously that losing streaks fuel his drive.

Almost two years since his last ranking title, but Davis believes turning fifty might inspire O'Sullivan.

"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be an incredible accomplishment."