Why do older Snooker players fade competitively

Johnnytoxic

Johnnytoxic

Johnnytoxic

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Yes yes age however, but what would you say the main factor is?

Obviously eyesight can get corrected and I wouldn't of thought the nervous system would be croked by 40-50?

Take Stephen Hendry, unbeatable in his day. He's 43 now and doesn't really compete against the top draw of players today. It's quite scary how an age you think is quite young overall, is too old to pot a few balls :)
 
Psychology/state of mind/concentration ability maybe.

The margin for error is so small, so I guess any weakness is exploited by those that are at the top of their game.

Look and The Rocket, on his day he is awesome, but then it depends on which Ronnie turns up.
 
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It's all in the mind.

They no longer have the drive, motivation, stamina, and confidence to win.

The 'been there done that' and 'I've had my day' attitude sneaks in.
 
IMO?

Families.

You want to spend time with your kids/wife/friends Dont want to be hold up in a room with a table hour after hour
 
I really hope Ronnie stays motivated and doesn't quit yet as he is great to watch.

Judd Trump is the new star and has a great future ahead of him. Also exciting to watch.
 
Yeah I'd agree it's mostly due to changing priorities in life than anything medical causing you to go off the boil.

Even Ronnie who is probably the most naturally gifted ever has gone downhill, he's also said how he wants to spent time with his kids etc.

Phil Taylor in darts seems to be the only person who has managed to buck this trend At 51 years old he's been the top dog for 22 years won 13 world titles and is still practically unbeatable on his day!
 
To a point, once someone comes along who can beat you, and can beat you almost every time, so you really can't win anymore.... then you start to realise you can practice 5 hours a day and ignore your life, and get to the final then lose, or you can practice 2 hours every couple days, live your life, know your kids, bang the wife.... but still make a mint getting not quite as far as the finals... which you wouldn't win anyway.

At some point you get rich and realise, its freaking Snooker/football/darts/horse shoe throwing....... and simply want to spend more time living life.

How rich do you really need to be, when you first start competing, you make a mil, or two, but investing it, buying a house, you still have mortgage payments, buy a car, put money away for the kids. But 10 years later, the house is paid off, the investments are bringing in money, you've got a huge next egg, there just isn't any need to give up everything what is a game.
 
Standard of play has also gone up. People now are more attacking meaning they only need a sniff at winning a frame. Back in the day snooker was tactical.

Just look at how often 147s are made now compared to the 80s or 90s.

Obviously your priorities change with age (family, health etc...)
 
Gotta agree, it's surely a combination of several factors, the most important of which are surely a lack of motivation (more to life once you have made your money and had the success) and the sport simply moving on in terms of standards much as every does too.
 
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