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 triumphed over his opponent, De Graaf, who is 35 years younger, with a score of 3-1, earning a spot in the second round. This accomplishment 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 displayed a modest performance with an average of 86.52 and two 180s. Despite this, it was adequate to outshine a below-par De Graaf.
Following his victory, Lim expressed his gratitude towards the supportive crowd and his presence at the event. He acknowledged the importance of seizing opportunities during matches, emphasizing the significance of capitalizing on missed shots.
Lim’s previous notable victory on a major stage was in the prior year’s tournament against the current World No.2, Luke Humphries. If Humphries triumphs over Ted Evetts later in the evening, there is a possibility of a rematch between the two in the second round.
Reflecting on Humphries’ dedication and skill as a player, Lim commended his opponent for his commitment to the sport and acknowledged him as a formidable player. Despite recognizing Humphries’ talent, Lim remains optimistic about the possibility of another victory.
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring presence in the world of darts has cemented his status as an iconic figure. He gained widespread recognition for achieving the first-ever nine-darter in World Championship history during the 1990 BDO tournament, where he defeated Jack McKenna and received a substantial £52,000 reward.