Paul Lim, aged 71, has once again etched his name in the history books by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. 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 outplayed his opponent, who is 35 years his junior, with a 3-1 victory, securing his spot in the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after his 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 displayed a modest performance with an average of 86.52 and two 180s. Despite a lackluster performance from De Graaf, Lim was able to clinch the win.
Expressing his gratitude after the match, Lim acknowledged the support of the crowd and emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the game. Reflecting on his previous triumph against Luke Humphries, Lim expressed admiration for the talented player and remained optimistic about their potential rematch in the second round.
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim has become a legendary figure in the world of darts due to his remarkable longevity in the sport. His historic feat of hitting a nine-darter in the 1990 BDO tournament against Jack McKenna further solidifies his iconic status in darts history.