Paul Lim has achieved another milestone 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 triumphed over De Graaf, who is 35 years younger, with a 3-1 scoreline, securing his place in the second round. This victory 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 showcased a performance averaging just 86.52 with two 180s. Despite this, it was sufficient to overcome a below-par De Graaf.
Following his win, Lim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and acknowledged the support of the crowd. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the game, stating, “No matter your skill level, there are instances where you may falter, and you must capitalize on those moments. I seized the opportunity and am pleased with the outcome.”
His most recent significant victory on the grand stage was in the previous year’s championship against the current World No.2, Luke Humphries. If Humphries prevails against Ted Evetts later in the evening, the two players will once again face off in the second round.
Reflecting on Humphries, Lim commended the dedication and skill of the player, describing him as a gentleman and a formidable opponent. He expressed optimism about the possibility of another victory, highlighting that even the best players can be defeated on any given day.
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring presence in darts has cemented his status as one of the sport’s iconic figures. He gained recognition as the first player to achieve a nine-darter in the World Championship during the 1990 BDO tournament, where he defeated Jack McKenna and earned a £52,000 bonus.
Stay updated with the latest news by subscribing to receive email notifications of the day’s top stories.