Paul Lim has once again made history by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. At 71 years old, Lim has now solidified his position as the oldest player to secure a victory at the PDC World Championship.
In a surprising turn of events, Lim outplayed De Graaf, who is 35 years his junior, with a 3-1 scoreline, securing his place in the second round. This victory comes 44 years after Lim’s initial appearance at the World Championship.
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 despite averaging just 86.52 with two 180s. His performance was sufficient to overcome a below-par De Graaf.
Following his win, Lim expressed his gratitude, 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 also emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities, acknowledging that even the best players can falter at times.
Notably, Lim’s previous significant victory came in the previous year’s edition when he defeated the current World No.2, Luke Humphries. There is a possibility of a rematch between Lim and Humphries in the second round if Humphries prevails against Ted Evetts.
Commenting on Humphries, Lim praised his dedication and skill, expressing his hope for another potential victory. Despite recognizing Humphries’ talent, Lim remains confident that he can secure a win when facing him.
With his remarkable longevity in the sport, Lim has become a revered figure in darts circles. Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim achieved a historic feat by hitting a nine-darter at the 1990 BDO World Championship against Jack McKenna, earning a £52,000 bonus.