UK Snooker at 50: O'Sullivan, Higgins and Williams defy age
As Ronnie O'Sullivan nears his 50th birthday, joined by John Higgins and Mark Williams, we examine the mindset, training, and choices that keep the Class of '92 at snooker's pinnacle.
Three snooker legends are approaching the milestone of half a century while remaining among the sport’s elite. Ronnie O'Sullivan, John Higgins, and Mark Williams, all part of the famous Class of 1992, continue to compete at the highest level as the UK Championship unfolds. This piece looks at what fuels their longevity and enduring rivalries.
The mental edge
The mental side of the game can be as decisive as sharp technique. O'Sullivan has worked with psychologist Steve Peters since 2011, focusing on keeping his mind aligned with performance rather than with age. Former rival Ronnie Davis notes that the psychological shift matters just as much as physical form, stressing that aging does not automatically limit success if the mind stays hungry. In interviews, O'Sullivan has described how adopting a mindset that ignores age helps him stay competitive for longer.
The body and balance
Snooker is not an explosive sport, but longevity depends on steady physical upkeep. O'Sullivan maintains fitness through regular running, while Williams candidly shares how eyesight increasingly shapes his game and has considered lens surgery to maintain accuracy. Experts explain the brain’s neuroplasticity—the ability to adapt to vision changes—can help players stay sharp even when vision begins to waver. Davis adds that while the body may drift, proper conditioning and technique can compensate and keep pace with the best.
Diet and nutrition feature prominently in their routines. O'Sullivan’s team emphasizes clean eating and a disciplined lifestyle, with peers noting he still appears much younger than his years. Williams has recently integrated a pre-match meal to sustain energy through long sessions, while Higgins continues to adapt his training by adding home gym work to regain strength and motivation.
The motivation and schedule
As players age, maintaining a genuine love for the game becomes the biggest hurdle. Williams and Higgins admit that practice can feel tougher, but they accept it as part of growing older and balancing life priorities. The ranking system’s structure adds pressure to stay active, pushing them to manage calendars and travel rather than retreat. O'Sullivan, who shifted much of his preparation to training bases outside Britain, sees the UK Championship as a crucial test of form after a quieter start to the season.
Despite the challenges, the trio remains driven. The presence of each other appears to fuel their persistence, with peers suggesting their ongoing rivalry pushes all three to raise their games even when it would be easier to fade away.
The challengers and the broader landscape
Fresh faces have yet to establish a new era of dominance. After Zhao Xintong’s World Championship win, the calendar has seen a spread of winners, underscoring the difficulty of replacing this veteran trio. Yet pundits note that the field is not devoid of talent; it’s just that the champions of today—led by O'Sullivan—have raised the bar so high that the next generation must innovate to catch up.
Expert commentary
Expert insights: Former world champion Ronnie Davis argues that mental resilience and adaptive training are the true engines of longevity, while performance specialists highlight neuroplasticity as a key factor in sustaining elite level play as players age. Together, they emphasize that enduring success comes from disciplined routines and a willingness to adjust rather than clinging to youth alone.
Short summary
The three stalwarts of the Class of 1992 remain active at snooker's top level due to a blend of mental discipline, careful physical management, and smart scheduling. Their longevity is supported by psychology, nutrition, and targeted training that helps compensate for aging factors like eyesight and endurance. As the UK Championship unfolds, their ongoing rivalry continues to shape snooker’s landscape and inspires players of all ages.
Key insight: Longevity at the highest level in snooker is built on mental strength, strategic training, and smart lifestyle choices as much as raw talent. BBC Sport