Paul Lim, at 71 years old, has once again etched his name in the history books by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at the Alexandra Palace. This victory solidifies Lim’s position as the oldest player to secure a win at the PDC World Championship.
In a surprising turn of events, Lim triumphed over his opponent, who is 35 years his junior, with a 3-1 scoreline to advance to the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after his initial appearance at the World Championship.
Having qualified for the Alexandra Palace for the first time since the 2022 edition, where he was ousted in the opening round by Joe Murnam, Lim showcased a modest performance with an average of 86.52 and two 180s. Despite his opponent’s subpar showing, it was enough for Lim to emerge victorious.
Expressing his gratitude, Lim acknowledged the support of the crowd, stating, “First and foremost, I’m thankful to be here and I’m thankful to this crowd behind me. Just to make it here is an achievement.” He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise in the game.
Reflecting on his previous victory over the current World No.2, Luke Humphries, Lim expressed admiration for Humphries’ dedication and skill, remarking, “Luke Humphries, I’ve been watching the last few years and he puts so much effort and time into what he’s doing. He’s a good guy, a gentleman and a great player. I just hope on a given day it can happen again. He’s good but can be beaten.”
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring presence in darts has solidified his status as an iconic figure in the sport. He famously achieved the first-ever World Championship nine-darter in the 1990 BDO tournament against Jack McKenna, earning a substantial £52,000 bonus.