Paul Lim continues to make history at Ally Pally by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf, securing his position as the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship. The 71-year-old’s victory of 3-1 over De Graaf, who is 35 years younger, marked a significant upset, advancing Lim to round two, 44 years after his initial World Championship appearance.
Having qualified for Ally Pally for the first time since the 2022 World Championship, where he was eliminated in the opening round by Joe Murnam, Lim’s performance was modest, averaging 86.52 with two 180s. Nevertheless, it proved sufficient to overcome a below-par De Graaf.
Following his triumph, Lim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and the support of the enthusiastic crowd. Reflecting on his win, he acknowledged the importance of seizing opportunities, emphasizing the need to capitalize on missed shots.
Notably, Lim’s previous notable victory was against current World No.2 Luke Humphries in the previous year’s championship. If Humphries emerges victorious against Ted Evetts later in the evening, a rematch between the two players in the second round is on the cards.
Recognizing Humphries’ dedication and skill, Lim praised his opponent as a commendable player and expressed optimism for a potential repeat performance. Emphasizing that Humphries, while formidable, is not invincible.
With a career marked by longevity and success, Lim has solidified his status as a darts icon. Known as the Singapore Slinger, he achieved a significant milestone in darts history by being the first player to hit a nine-darter at the World Championship in the 1990 BDO tournament, securing a substantial £52,000 bonus.