At the recent Ally Pally match, Paul Lim, aged 71, set a new milestone by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf, becoming the oldest player to secure a victory at the PDC World Championship. Lim’s 3-1 win over De Graaf, who is 35 years his junior, was a significant upset that propelled him into the second round, marking his continued success in the competition 44 years after his first World Championship appearance.
Lim’s qualification for Ally Pally marked his return since the 2022 World Championship, where he was eliminated in the initial round by Joe Murnam. Despite an average performance of 86.52 with two 180s, Lim managed to outshine De Graaf, who delivered a below-par performance.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete, Lim acknowledged the support of the crowd following his victory. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the game, regardless of skill level, and expressed satisfaction with his performance.
In a previous edition, Lim triumphed over current World No.2 Luke Humphries, highlighting his capability to challenge top players. Lim commended Humphries for his dedication and skills, expressing hope for a potential rematch in the second round should Humphries advance in the tournament.
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring presence in darts has solidified his status as an iconic figure in the sport. Renowned for his historic achievement of hitting a nine-darter in the 1990 BDO tournament, Lim remains a formidable force in darts, demonstrating his skill and expertise on the world stage.
