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Back when a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about Steve Davis in 1990, his response was "he creates new techniques … few competitors can do that".

This early statement highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His drive isn't limited to mere victory encompassing setting new standards within snooker.

Today, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes while competing in this week's UK Championship, where he holds 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, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six global competitors have entered their sixth decade.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket became professionals in 1992, also celebrated reaching fifty recently.

Yet, this remarkable longevity isn't automatic in snooker. Stephen Hendry, who shares the distinction with O'Sullivan for most world championships, won his last ranking event in his mid-thirties, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, nearing forty, was considered a major surprise.

This legendary trio, though, continue to resist declining. Here we explore why three 50-year-olds remain competitive in world snooker.

The Mind

According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference across eras is psychological.

"I typically faulted my form when losing, instead of adjusting mentally," he explained. "It felt like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated that's not true. Everything is psychological… you can compete longer than expected."

O'Sullivan's mindset has been influenced by psychiatrist a mental coach, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. During a recent film, his documentary, O'Sullivan inquires: "How long can I play, without doubting myself?"

"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 continue performing, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I enjoy where I am."

Physical Condition

Snooker may not be an athletic sport, success still relies on bodily attributes usually benefiting younger competitors.

O'Sullivan maintains fitness through running, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.

"It amuses me. I require glasses constantly: reading, medium distance, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction delaying it repeatedly, most recently in November, mainly because he continues winning.

Williams might benefit from brain adaptation, a mental phenomenon.

Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that without conditions like cataracts exists, the mind adapts to weaker eyesight.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, maybe early 40s, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

"But our brains adapt to challenges throughout life, including senior years.

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

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your intentions," Davis commented.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.

"Shot strength is the critical factor and there's no solution. It's inevitable."

O'Sullivan's mental work paired with careful body management often stressing the role of diet for his success.

"He doesn't drink, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "He appears he's 50!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages recently, revealing this year he incorporates pre-game nutrition, reportedly maintains stamina through extended matches.

Although John Higgins lost significant weight recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says he regained it but plans setting up equipment to reinvigorate himself.

The Motivation

"The greatest challenge with age is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.

Williams, Higgins and O'Sullivan face similar challenges. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"But I believe that's natural," John added. "As you age, priorities shift."

John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where major event qualification depends on results in lesser events.

"It's a balancing act," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."

O'Sullivan, too cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. The UK Championship is his initial domestic competition currently.

But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where legendary rivals such as the tennis icons pushed each other to greater heights, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"When one wins, it makes others wonder why can't they?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent major victory this year, O'Sullivan remarked that new generation "must step up because I'm declining failing eyesight, 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 this season's results, where 11 different winners claimed initial tournaments.

Yet challenging competing against Ronnie, with exceptional natural talent rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.

"His technique, was obvious instantly," he said, observing the teen potting balls quickly securing rewards like outdated technology.

O'Sullivan publicly claims that victories "aren't crucial."

However, he has suggested in the past that losing streaks help maintain motivation.

Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes this birthday could motivate him.

"Perhaps that turning 50 is the spark he requires to show his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his genius, but Ronnie enjoys astonishing people.

"If he won the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would amaze the crowd… That would be a historic feat."