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

That youthful insight revealed O'Sullivan's unique approach. His drive extends beyond winning matches to include setting new standards within snooker.

Now, 35 years later, he has surpassed the accomplishments of his heroes and during this week's UK Championship, where he holds the distinction of being the oldest and youngest winner, O'Sullivan celebrates reaching fifty.

In professional sports, having just one 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone signifies that three of the top six world players are now in their fifties.

The Welsh Potting Machine together with the Wizard of Wishaw, who like O'Sullivan became professionals over thirty years ago, similarly marked reaching fifty this year.

Yet, such extended careers isn't automatic in snooker. The seven-time world champion, holding the distinction with O'Sullivan of seven world titles, won his last professional tournament in his mid-thirties, while Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, came as a major surprise.

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

The Mind

For Steve Davis, now 68, the key difference between generations lies in mentality.

"I always blamed my technique for failures, rather than adjusting mentally," he explained. "It seemed like inevitable progression.

"Ronnie, John and Mark have demonstrated otherwise. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."

O'Sullivan's mindset was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated since 2011. 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," Peters responds. "Thoughts like 'Oh, I'm 46, I can't perform!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."

This guidance O'Sullivan has followed, telling reporters that turning 50 "acceptable," adding: "I avoid to overburden myself … I enjoy this life stage."

Physical Condition

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

Ronnie stays fit by jogging, yet difficult to avoid other age-related issues, like worsening eyesight, which Williams understands very well.

"I find it funny. I require glasses for everything: reading, mid-range, long distance," Williams shared recently.

The two-time world champion considered lens replacement surgery but postponed it multiple times, latest in autumn, mainly because he keeps succeeding.

Mark could be gaining from brain adaptation, a psychological concept.

A vision specialist, who coaches athletes, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.

"Everyone, after thirty-five, or early forties, experience the eye lens stiffening," she explained.

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

"Yet, should eyesight isn't the issue, other physical aspects could decline."

"Eventually in games requiring accuracy, your physique betrays your mind," Steve noted.

"Your cue action doesn't perform properly. The first symptom I noticed involved although I aimed straight, the pace was wrong.

"Delivery weight is the critical factor with no easy fix. It's inevitable."

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

"He doesn't drink, eats healthily," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"

Mark similarly realized dietary advantages lately, revealing this year he incorporates a pre-match meal, reportedly sustains energy during long sessions.

Although John Higgins shed over three stone recently, crediting spin classes, he currently says the weight returned though intending home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.

Driving Force

"The greatest challenge as you older is training. That love for the game needs to continue," remarked a commentator.

The veteran trio aren't exempt challenges. Higgins, multiple title holder, stated in September he finds it hard "to practice regularly".

"However, I think that's natural," Higgins continued. "As you age, focus changes."

Higgins has contemplated skipping some tournaments but is constrained due to points requirements, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.

"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm psychological well-being attempting to attend every tournament."

Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances after moving to Dubai. This event marks his first domestic competition currently.

But none appear ready to retire yet. Like in other sports where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, so too have O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams.

"If one succeeds, it makes others wonder why not the others?" said a pundit. "I believe they motivate one another."

Absence of New Rivals

Following his most recent Triple Crown win this year, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up because I'm declining with poor vision, a unreliable arm and knee problems yet they can't win."

While China's Zhao Xintong won this year's World Championship, rarely have players risen to control the tour. Exemplified by this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.

But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, with innate ability unmatched in sports, as recalled since his youth on a 1992 gameshow.

"His technique, you could immediately see," noted, observing the teen potting balls quickly to win prizes like outdated technology.

Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."

However, he implied previously that droughts help maintain drive.

It's been nearly two years since a tournament win, yet legends think turning fifty might inspire him.

"Who knows this milestone is the spark Ronnie needs to show his skill," commented the veteran. "We all recognize his talent, and he loves astonishing people.

"Should he claim the UK Championship, or the World Championship, it would stun everyone… Achieving that a historic feat."