How The Sport's Legendary Players Continue to Shine at 50
Back when a 14-year-old Ronnie O'Sullivan spoke regarding Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".
That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition extends beyond winning matches encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.
Now, 35 years later, he exceeded the achievements of his heroes while competing in the ongoing tournament, a competition where he maintains records for both the most veteran and youngest champion, O'Sullivan will mark his 50th birthday.
At the elite level, having just one player of that age is impressive enough, yet his half-century means that multiple top-ranked global competitors have entered their fifties.
The Welsh Potting Machine and John Higgins, who like O'Sullivan became professionals in 1992, also celebrated their 50th birthdays recently.
Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, claimed his final ranking event in his mid-thirties, while Davis' victory at the 1997 Masters, aged 39, was considered an unexpected result.
The Class of 92, however, stubbornly refuse fading away. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.
The Mind
According to the legend, now 68, the key difference across eras lies in mentality.
"I typically faulted my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.
"These three champions have demonstrated otherwise. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer beyond predictions."
O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped by psychiatrist a mental coach, their partnership starting since 2011. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, without doubting myself?"
"If you focus on age, you trigger negative expectations," he advises. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. To maintain success, and keep delivering, disregard your age."
Such advice O'Sullivan has followed, mentioning recently that turning 50 "alright," adding: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate this life stage."
The Body
While not an athletic sport, winning depends on physical traits that typically favor younger competitors.
Ronnie stays fit by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, which Williams understands very well.
"I find it funny. I need spectacles for everything: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.
The Welsh player considered vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.
Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.
A vision specialist, training professionals, explained that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.
"All people, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience reduced lens flexibility," she explained.
"However our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, including senior years.
"But, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects may fail."
"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.
"Your cue action fails to execute properly. The first symptom I felt was that although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.
"Shot strength becomes problematic with no easy fix. It's inevitable."
Ronnie's psychological training paired with meticulous physical care and he frequently emphasizes nutritional importance in his achievements.
"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess he's 50!"
Williams also discovered nutritional benefits recently, disclosing in 2024 he added pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.
And while Higgins lost significant weight recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says he regained it but plans home gym installation for renewed motivation.
Driving Force
"The greatest challenge as you older is practice. That passion for snooker must persist," remarked a commentator.
Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to train consistently".
"But I believe that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."
John considered skipping some tournaments yet limited by the ranking system, where tournament entries rely on results in lesser events.
"It's a balancing act," he explained. "Negatively affect psychological well-being trying to play every tournament."
Similarly, Ronnie has reduced his European schedule since relocating abroad. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.
Yet all three seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons motivated one another 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 motivate each other."
The Lack of Challengers
After his latest Triple Crown win at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that new generation "need to improve because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems and they still lose."
Although a Chinese player claimed the latest world title, rarely have players emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident current outcomes, with multiple champions have taken the first 11 events.
Yet challenging when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, remembered since his youth on television.
"His stance, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table securing rewards like outdated technology.
O'Sullivan publicly claims that winning tournaments "isn't everything."
However, he has suggested in the past 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 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," commented the veteran. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.
"If he won this tournament, or the World Championship, it would stun the crowd… Achieving that an incredible accomplishment."
