Why Snooker's Legendary Players Continue to Shine in Their Fifties
When a teenage Ronnie O'Sullivan was questioned about his snooker idol decades ago, his response was "he invents shots … not many players possess that ability".
That youthful insight highlighted O'Sullivan's distinct philosophy. His ambition isn't limited to mere victory encompassing redefining excellence in the sport.
Today, 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 reaching fifty.
At the elite level, for a single 50-year-old competitor is impressive enough, but O'Sullivan's milestone means that multiple top-ranked global competitors are now in their fifties.
Mark Williams together with the Wizard of Wishaw, similar to The Rocket turned pro in 1992, similarly marked their 50th birthdays this year.
However, such extended careers are not guaranteed in this sport. Stephen Hendry, who shares the record with O'Sullivan for most world championships, claimed his final professional tournament at 36, whereas Steve Davis' triumph in 1997, aged 39, was considered a major surprise.
The Class of 92, though, continue to resist declining. This article examines how three veterans stay at the top in professional snooker.
Mental Strength
According to the legend, currently in his sixties, the key difference between generations is psychological.
"I always blamed my form when losing, rather than retraining my mind," he explained. "It seemed like the natural cycle.
"These three champions have proven that's not true. It's all mental… careers can extend beyond predictions."
The Rocket's approach was shaped through working with Professor Steve Peters, with whom he's collaborated over a decade ago. In his 2023 documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan inquires: "What's my potential age, to avoid uncertainty?"
"If you focus on age, you activate self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters responds. "You'll start thinking 'Oh, I'm 46, I'll decline!' Avoid that mindset. If you want to win, and keep delivering, disregard your age."
This guidance Ronnie adopted, telling reporters that he feels "alright," noting: "I try not putting excessive pressure … I appreciate where I am."
The Body
Snooker may not be physically demanding, success still relies on bodily attributes that typically favor younger competitors.
O'Sullivan maintains fitness by jogging, but it's challenging to prevent other age-related issues, such as vision decline, something Mark knows intimately.
"I find it funny. I need spectacles constantly: reading, mid-range, far shots," Mark stated recently.
The Welsh player has contemplated vision correction but postponed it repeatedly, latest in autumn, primarily since he continues winning.
Williams might benefit from neuroplasticity, a psychological concept.
Zoe Wimshurst, training professionals, noted that provided no eye disease like cataracts exists, the brain can adjust to impaired vision.
"Everyone, by your mid-30s, maybe early 40s, will notice reduced lens flexibility," she explained.
"However our brains adapt to challenges continuously, even into old age.
"But, should eyesight remain fine, other physical aspects may fail."
"Eventually in precision sports, your body fails your intentions," Davis commented.
"Your cue action fails to execute as required. The initial sign I felt was that while alignment was good, the pace was wrong.
"Delivery weight becomes problematic with no easy fix. That will occur."
O'Sullivan's mental work paired with meticulous physical care often stressing nutritional importance in his achievements.
"He avoids alcohol, consumes nutritious food," commented an ex-winner. "You wouldn't guess thirty years younger!"
Mark similarly realized nutritional benefits lately, disclosing in 2024 he added a pre-match meal, which he claims maintains stamina through extended matches.
And while Higgins shed over three stone recently, attributing it to spin classes, he currently says the weight returned but plans home gym installation to reinvigorate himself.
Driving Force
"The toughest aspect as you older is practice. That love for snooker must persist," added another expert.
The veteran trio face similar from these difficulties. Higgins, a four-time world champion, mentioned recently he finds it hard "to practice regularly".
"But I believe that's normal," John added. "Getting older, priorities shift."
John considered skipping some tournaments but is constrained by the ranking system, where tournament entries depends on results in lesser events.
"It's challenging," he explained. "It can harm mental health trying to play every tournament."
Similarly, Ronnie cut back his tournament appearances since relocating abroad. This event is his initial home tournament currently.
But none seem prepared to stop playing. Similar to tennis where great competitors such as the tennis icons pushed each other to excel, similarly 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 at the 2024 Masters, O'Sullivan observed that younger players "must step up despite my age with poor vision, arm issues and bad knees yet they can't win."
While China's Zhao Xintong claimed the latest World Championship, few competitors emerged to dominate the tour. This is evident this season's results, with multiple champions have taken initial tournaments.
But it's difficult when facing O'Sullivan, who possesses innate ability rarely seen, as recalled from his teenage appearance on television.
"His technique, you could immediately see," he said, observing the teen rapidly clearing the table to win prizes including a fax machine.
Ronnie often states that winning tournaments "aren't crucial."
However, he has suggested in the past that droughts help maintain motivation.
Almost two years since a tournament win, but Davis believes turning fifty could motivate O'Sullivan.
"Who knows that turning 50 provides the impetus he requires to demonstrate his greatness," said Davis. "Everyone knows his talent, but Ronnie enjoys amazing audiences.
"Should he claim this tournament, or the worlds, it would stun the crowd… That would be a historic feat."
