Paul Lim, aged 71, has once again made history by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. Lim, the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship, secured a 3-1 victory over his opponent who is 35 years his junior, causing a major upset and advancing to the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after Lim’s initial World Championship appearance.
Having qualified for Ally Pally for the first time since the 2022 World Championship where he was eliminated in the first round by Joe Murnam, Lim showcased a solid performance with an average of 86.52 and two 180s, which proved sufficient to overcome a below-par De Graaf.
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.” Reflecting on his victory, he emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the game.
Lim’s previous notable victory on the grand stage was in the preceding year’s edition against the current World No.2, Luke Humphries. If Humphries emerges victorious against Ted Evetts later in the evening, a potential rematch between Lim and Humphries in the second round could be on the cards.
Praising Humphries for his dedication and skill, Lim expressed his admiration for the player’s commitment to the sport, highlighting Humphries as a formidable opponent while remaining optimistic about his own chances.
Known as the “Singapore Slinger,” Lim’s enduring presence in the world of darts has solidified his status as one of the sport’s iconic figures. Notably, Lim secured a place in darts history by achieving the first-ever World Championship nine-darter in the 1990 BDO tournament, a feat accomplished against Jack McKenna, which earned him a £52,000 bonus.