Paul Lim, aged 71, made history once again by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. Lim, the oldest player to win a game at the PDC World Championship, secured a 3-1 victory over De Graaf, who is 35 years younger, causing a significant upset and advancing to the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after Lim’s initial World Championship debut.
Having qualified for Ally Pally after his last appearance in the 2022 World Championship, where he was eliminated in the first round by Joe Murnam, Lim showcased a decent performance with an average of 86.52 and two 180s. Despite facing a below-par De Graaf, Lim managed to secure the win.
Expressing gratitude for the opportunity, Lim acknowledged the support of the crowd, stating that being present at the event was already an accomplishment. Reflecting on the match, Lim highlighted the importance of seizing opportunities, emphasizing the need to capitalize on crucial moments.
Lim’s previous notable victory was against current World No.2 Luke Humphries in the previous year’s tournament. If Humphries triumphs over Ted Evetts, the two players will face each other again in the second round. Lim praised Humphries for his dedication and talent, expressing optimism about the possibility of a rematch.
Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring presence in darts has solidified his status as an iconic figure in the sport. He gained recognition for being the first player to achieve a nine-darter at the World Championship during the 1990 BDO tournament, where he defeated Jack McKenna and earned a £52,000 bonus.