The UK Championship has become a proving ground for the longevity of Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams as they continue to defy expectations by remaining at the top of their game.
Since turning pro in 1992, these three have been together on this journey, having grown both individually and collectively. They all share one thing: an unrelenting passion for the sport that has led them to celebrate their 50th birthday. Not many players in any elite sport can boast such longevity.
This year's tournament marks a significant milestone for O'Sullivan, who holds the record for both the oldest and youngest winner of the UK Championship. Higgins and Williams also turned 50 this year, making three of the top six players in the world rankings half a century old.
While not everyone has been able to replicate their success with age on the snooker table, these three have shown that it's possible with dedication, the right mindset, and good fortune. Stephen Hendry, who won seven world titles, took his last ranking event at 36. Davis' win at the 1997 Masters was aged 39.
O'Sullivan is a case in point of how mental approach can contribute to longevity, according to psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom O'Sullivan has worked since 2011. In an Amazon Prime documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asked him: "So what age can I go to, so I don't have to question myself?"
If you keep looking at your age, you go back to these self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters says.
"Ronnie has a very different mindset than I had when I was 46 and in the 'prime' of my career."
Williams believes he could benefit from more nutrition advice; recently he has started eating before matches to sustain his energy through long sessions.
Higgins has been taking part fewer events, finding it difficult to get his cue out the case for practice but remains hopeful.
The trio have shown that winning is not the only thing that drives them - staying competitive is also a key factor. In tennis, the 'big three' rivals – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – pushed each other to greater successes.
O'Sullivan maintains in public that winning tournaments is "not the be all and end all." He has hinted previously that long spells without success sustain his motivation.
Turning 50 could change things for O'Sullivan, with Davis saying he might need to 'show everybody how good I am' again.
Since turning pro in 1992, these three have been together on this journey, having grown both individually and collectively. They all share one thing: an unrelenting passion for the sport that has led them to celebrate their 50th birthday. Not many players in any elite sport can boast such longevity.
This year's tournament marks a significant milestone for O'Sullivan, who holds the record for both the oldest and youngest winner of the UK Championship. Higgins and Williams also turned 50 this year, making three of the top six players in the world rankings half a century old.
While not everyone has been able to replicate their success with age on the snooker table, these three have shown that it's possible with dedication, the right mindset, and good fortune. Stephen Hendry, who won seven world titles, took his last ranking event at 36. Davis' win at the 1997 Masters was aged 39.
O'Sullivan is a case in point of how mental approach can contribute to longevity, according to psychiatrist Professor Steve Peters, with whom O'Sullivan has worked since 2011. In an Amazon Prime documentary, The Edge of Everything, O'Sullivan asked him: "So what age can I go to, so I don't have to question myself?"
If you keep looking at your age, you go back to these self-fulfilling prophecies," Peters says.
"Ronnie has a very different mindset than I had when I was 46 and in the 'prime' of my career."
Williams believes he could benefit from more nutrition advice; recently he has started eating before matches to sustain his energy through long sessions.
Higgins has been taking part fewer events, finding it difficult to get his cue out the case for practice but remains hopeful.
The trio have shown that winning is not the only thing that drives them - staying competitive is also a key factor. In tennis, the 'big three' rivals – Federer, Nadal and Djokovic – pushed each other to greater successes.
O'Sullivan maintains in public that winning tournaments is "not the be all and end all." He has hinted previously that long spells without success sustain his motivation.
Turning 50 could change things for O'Sullivan, with Davis saying he might need to 'show everybody how good I am' again.
They're like the ultimate proof that age is just a number when you've got passion and dedication. I mean, can you imagine what their parents were told when they started training? "You'll be retired from snooker by 40"... yeah right! 
Ronnie O'Sullivan's got this right, winning isn't everything; staying competitive and having fun is where it's at 
. These guys are still giving us top-notch performances, and I'm loving every minute of it 
. Bring on the next chapter, O'Sullivan, Williams, and Higgins – you're still killing the game 
!
. John Higgins gotta find ways to stay sharp, can't just sit around practicing 
. And let's be real, it's not just about winning, these guys are still driving each other to greatness 
.
. It's all about finding that balance between competing interests and putting the bigger picture first.
. As a nation, we need to take a cue from them - investing in our public health and wellbeing is key to staying ahead of the curve 
. Anyway, here's to O'Sullivan, Higgins, and Williams keeping it fresh at 50! 
This is so cool! These guys are like legends on the table 
I mean, can you imagine still being on top of your game at 50? It's amazing they're all still doing it and still got that passion 
They're proving to us all that with hard work, dedication, and a good mindset, anything is possible 
these three legends 
are still killing it 
at the snooker table 
after 50+ yrs in the game 
, that's like me staying active on my phone 
for another decade 
! 
and they've all got it in spades 
, especially Ronnie 
. I'm not surprised he's still got the edge 
... 50+ is just a number 
, right? 
