Snooker icon group the Class of 92 hold only four remaining opportunities to secure a trophy this year, or they risk finishing the entire period without a single piece of silverware.
Ronnie O Sullivan, aged 50, alongside John Higgins, 51, and Mark Williams, 51, all entered the professional ranks during the 1992-93 snooker season.
Together, these three veteran players have claimed 39 Triple Crown events, which features 14 World Championships held at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Throughout their professional careers, they accumulated a total of 101 ranking tournaments across 33 years.
Yet, the trio failed to secure any victories during this calendar year on the World Snooker Tour.
Prior to December ending, they will compete in the International Championship in China, the UK Championship in York, the Shoot Out in Blackpool, and the Scottish Open in Edinburgh.
The Champion of Champions takes place next month in Leicester, though Matchroom Sport organises that event rather than the WST.
If none of these three competitors claim a tournament victory within the next two months, 1992 will mark the last time they all went without winning at least one top ranking snooker event.
Seven-time world champion O Sullivan achieved his first ranking win at age 17 by defeating Stephen Hendry 10-6 in the final of the 1993 UK Championship in Preston.
In October 1994, four-time Crucible winner Higgins secured the Grand Prix with a 9-6 final win over Dave Harold.
Williams, who won the world championship three times, claimed his first ranking title at the 1996 Welsh Open by beating John Parrott 9-3 to earn the £36,000 top prize.
If 2026 brings a barren period and ends a 33-year streak, it will highlight that they approach the end of their elite careers, despite currently holding spots in the world top 16.
O Sullivan expressed interest in playing more Snooker 900 competitions featuring 15-minute frames, while Scottish player Higgins intends to continue as long as he remains competitive.
Welsh player Williams maintains a relaxed attitude, stating he will keep playing as long as he holds a professional Tour Card.
Snooker is attracting younger players with a wave of Chinese talent, as 29-year-old Zhao Xintong and 23-year-old Wu Yize embody the new era of the sport.
However, traditional supporters still value the lasting appeal of the Class of 92.
Their eventual departure from the highest level of competition will mark a sad occasion for the sport.
