Paul Lim, at 71 years and 322 days old, has become the oldest player to compete in the Darts World Championship. The Singaporean darts player recently triumphed over Dutch competitor Jeffrey de Graaf with a score of 3-1. This victory has further solidified Lim’s impressive legacy in the sport.
Historic Achievement at the Darts World Championship
Lim is not only the oldest participant, but he is also making his 27th appearance at the World Championship. In 1990, he made history as the first player to achieve a nine-dart finish in the tournament. His latest match showcased his exceptional skills and determination.
Match Highlights
In the first set, Lim demonstrated his prowess with a strong average, quickly claiming victory. Although De Graaf equalized in the following set, he struggled to maintain his momentum. Lim secured the next two sets, sealing an unexpected win against his younger opponent.
Looking Ahead: Potential Matchups
In the second round, Lim may face off against Luke Humphries, the current world number two. This could be an exciting matchup, as Lim previously achieved a remarkable comeback against English player Luke Humphries in the 2021 championship.
Record-Setting Tournament
This year’s World Championship is the largest ever, featuring 128 players competing for a grand prize of £1 million (approximately €1.1 million). The total prize pool stands at £5 million (€5.7 million). Notably, all participants, including seeded players, begin in the first round.
Top Contenders
- Luke Littler – Defending World Champion and current world number one.
- Luke Humphries – The 2024 World Champion and strong contender.
- Michael van Gerwen – Three-time World Champion.
- Gian van Veen – Two-time winner of the youth championship.
- Danny Noppert – A notable contender from the Netherlands.
A total of fifteen Dutch players are participating in this year’s tournament at Alexandra Palace in London, with the final match scheduled for January 3. Paul Lim’s journey in this championship continues to inspire fans of the sport.
