In a sport where youth often steals the spotlight, a 71-year-old darts icon has rewritten the narrative with a stunning qualification for the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship. Paul Lim, the Singaporean sensation whose career spans nearly five decades, has once again proven that age is no barrier to brilliance. Known for his historic nine-dart finish at the 1990 BDO World Championship, Lim secured his spot at Alexandra Palace by topping the inaugural Asian Darts Association (ADA) Tour Order of Merit in Victoria, Australia. His victory not only broke his own record as the oldest player to qualify for a PDC World Championship but also ignited a frenzy among fans clamoring for a dream matchup against the sport’s brightest star, 18-year-old world champion Luke Littler.
Lim’s journey to this moment is nothing short of legendary. Born in 1954, he first stepped onto the world stage in 1982, competing alongside darts titans like Jocky Wilson and Eric Bristow. Over the years, he’s carved out a storied career, representing both the USA and Singapore in steel-tip and soft-tip darts. His crowning achievement came 35 years ago when he etched his name in history with the first-ever nine-dart finish at a World Championship, a feat against Jack McKenna that left fans in awe before he fell to Cliff Lazarenko in the quarter-finals. Now, at an age when most athletes have long retired, Lim’s latest triumph in Australia saw him outclass a field of rising stars, including Altantulkhuur Myagmarsuren, Christopher Sarmiento Melo, and Ryuta Arihara, to claim the ADA Tour title and secure his Ally Pally return.
The darts world has been buzzing with excitement over Lim’s achievement. Social media posts have erupted with fans dubbing him a “legend” and marveling at his enduring skill. “Paul Lim at 71 qualifying for the Worlds is unreal,” one fan posted, echoing the sentiment of many who see his qualification as a testament to darts’ unique ability to reward precision and passion over physical prime. But it’s the prospect of Lim facing off against Luke Littler, the teenage prodigy nicknamed “The Nuke,” that has truly set imaginations alight. Littler, fresh off his historic 2025 PDC World Championship win at just 17, has dominated headlines with his fearless play and record-breaking performances. Fans are now dreaming of a generational clash, with posts flooding platforms like X declaring, “We need him to face Littler!” The idea of the wily veteran squaring off against the sport’s new king is a narrative straight out of a Hollywood script.
Lim’s path to the World Championship wasn’t just a nostalgic run. His performance on the ADA Tour showcased the same silky throwing action that made him a fan favorite decades ago. Known for his smooth, effortless style, Lim dispatched opponents with a consistency that belied his age, defeating the likes of Chi-Jui Tseng and Yan Bin Chen en route to the title. “He’s still got it,” one observer noted, praising Lim’s ability to compete at an elite level despite the physical demands of modern darts. His qualification ensures he’ll be among the 96 players vying for the Sid Waddell Trophy when the tournament kicks off on December 15, 2025, at Alexandra Palace.
For Lim, this isn’t just another tournament—it’s a chance to add another chapter to a career that’s already defied expectations. Having competed in both BDO and PDC World Championships, as well as multiple World Cups, he’s no stranger to high-stakes moments. His 2019 PDC World Cup appearance for Singapore at age 65 made him the oldest player to represent his country in that event, and now, at 71, he’s shattered his own record for the World Championship. While the draw for the tournament is still weeks away, the possibility of Lim facing Littler has fans salivating. Littler, who clinched the 2025 title with a 7-3 rout of Michael van Gerwen, has already proven he can handle pressure against the biggest names in the sport. Yet, Lim’s experience and guile could make for a fascinating contrast to Littler’s raw power and precision.
The broader context of Lim’s achievement highlights the unique allure of darts, a sport where veterans and newcomers can share the same stage. While Littler represents the future—having won the Premier League, Grand Slam, and World Series Finals in 2024—Lim embodies its timeless appeal. His qualification comes at a time when darts is enjoying unprecedented popularity, with the 2025 World Championship drawing record crowds and social media engagement. The tournament’s £2.5 million prize fund, with £500,000 for the winner, underscores its status as the pinnacle of the sport. For Lim, the financial reward is secondary to the chance to compete on the biggest stage once more.
As the darts community awaits the draw, the chatter about a Lim-Littler matchup continues to grow. “It’s the clash we didn’t know we needed,” one fan enthused online, capturing the excitement of a potential showdown. Whether or not the bracket delivers this dream encounter, Lim’s qualification at 71 is a reminder that passion and skill can transcend age. For a man who’s been throwing darts since before many of his competitors were born, the stage is set for another unforgettable moment at Alexandra Palace. As the countdown to December begins, all eyes will be on the “legend” who’s still hitting the bullseye.
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