Paul Lim has once again made history by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. The 71-year-old has further 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 win, securing his spot in round two. 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 performance with an average score of 86.52 and two 180s. Despite a below-par performance from De Graaf, Lim managed to emerge victorious.
Speaking to Sky Sports following his win, Lim expressed gratitude for the opportunity and the supportive crowd. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the game, stating, “No matter how skilled you are, there are moments where you may miss a shot, and you must capitalize on those chances.”
Lim’s last notable win on a major stage was against the current World No.2, Luke Humphries, in the previous year’s tournament. If Humphries defeats Ted Evetts later, the two players are set to face each other again in the second round.
Reflecting on Humphries’ dedication and skill, Lim praised his opponent as a talented player and expressed hope for another competitive match. Known as the “Singapore Slinger,” Lim’s remarkable career in darts includes being the first player to achieve a nine-darter at the World Championship in the 1990 BDO tournament, earning a significant £52,000 bonus.