mick745 wrote:What will happen to the careers of Higgins, Williams, O'Sullivan in the long run?
Are any of them likely to fall far enough down the rankings to jeopardise their pro status?
No. As soon as they won't be good enough to compete for the big events anymore, they will retire.
Sure, they might try for a season of maybe two to get back into the top 16 if they fall off it, but that's it.
mick745 wrote: Cant imagine they'd ever enter q school for instance.
Of course they won't enter it.
That would be very embarrassing for a player of their caliber.
mick745 wrote: How low do they have to sink before they consider retirement?
Outside the top 16, or outside the top 32 in the worst case scenario.
mick745 wrote: Would they be awarded wildcard tour places for ever so they can play on back tables at venues in front of a few spectators in their 60s with the dads telling their sons how great they once were
Of course they'll be awarded wildcards, they are legends of the game. Ronnie is the GOAT for crying out loud, he'll always be welcomed with open arms. But neither will accept them, they'll just play some exhibition snooker in the best case scenario.
mick745 wrote: How would they make a living?
All are millionaires, so I wouldn't worry about them. They probably have invested their money well.
I know that Ronnie's net worth in over 30 million £. On top of that, he has very lucrative deals with Eurosport and other investors. He can also take the China route like Hendry did. He's immensely popular there and will be getting huge money from sponsors.