Paul Lim has once again made history at Ally Pally by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf. The 71-year-old has 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 his junior, with a scoreline of 3-1 to advance to the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after his initial appearance in the World Championship.
Making his comeback to Ally Pally after his last participation in the 2022 World Championship, where he was eliminated in the first round by Joe Murnam, Lim showcased a performance with an average of 86.52 and two 180s. Despite this, it was enough to overcome a below-par De Graaf.
Following his victory, Lim expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete and the support of the crowd. He emphasized the importance of seizing opportunities in the game, acknowledging that even the best players can falter at times.
Lim’s previous notable victory on the grand stage was in the preceding year’s tournament against the current World No.2, Luke Humphries. If Humphries emerges victorious against Ted Evetts later in the evening, a potential rematch between the two in the second round is on the cards.
Reflecting on Humphries’ dedication and skill as a player, Lim commended him as a gentleman and acknowledged his capabilities while remaining hopeful for another competitive encounter in the future.
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring career has established him as a legendary figure in the world of darts. Notably, he was the first player to achieve a nine-darter in the World Championship during the 1990 BDO tournament, securing a substantial £52,000 bonus for his accomplishment.