Paul Lim, at the age of 71, further solidified his place in history by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. This victory extends Lim’s own record as the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship.
In a surprising turn of events, Lim secured a 3-1 victory over his opponent, who is 35 years his junior, earning a spot in the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after Lim’s initial appearance at the World Championship.
Having last qualified for Ally Pally during the 2022 World Championship, where he was eliminated in the first round by Joe Murnam, Lim returned to the stage. Despite posting an average of 86.52 with two 180s, Lim managed to outshine a below-par performance by De Graaf.
Following his triumph, Lim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and praised the supportive crowd. Reflecting on his win, Lim acknowledged the importance of seizing opportunities in the game.
Lim’s last notable victory on the grand stage occurred in the previous year’s tournament against the current World No.2, Luke Humphries. If Humphries emerges victorious over Ted Evetts later in the evening, a potential rematch between Lim and Humphries in the second round looms.
Commenting on Humphries, Lim commended the player’s dedication and skill while expressing optimism about facing him again. Known as the “Singapore Slinger,” Lim has etched his name in darts history, being the first player to achieve a nine-dart finish at the World Championship in the 1990 BDO tournament.
Lim’s enduring presence in the sport has cemented his status as one of the most iconic figures in darts, with his legendary achievements earning him widespread acclaim and recognition.