In a heartwarming display of respect and sportsmanship that captured the essence of darts, reigning world champion Luke Humphries delivered a masterful performance to defeat the iconic Paul Lim 3-0 in the second round of the PDC World Darts Championship at London’s Alexandra Palace. The match, played on December 22, 2025, was not just a contest of skill but a celebration of the sport’s enduring spirit, as the 30-year-old Englishman faced off against the 71-year-old Singaporean veteran in a rematch five years in the making.
The atmosphere inside the famed Ally Pally was electric from the start, with the capacity crowd roaring in support of Lim, affectionately known as the “Singapore Slinger.” Lim had already etched his name into the history books earlier in the tournament by becoming the oldest player ever to win a match at the PDC World Championship, triumphing 3-1 over Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf in the first round. His walk-on to Dire Straits’ “Walk of Life” drew massive cheers, setting the tone for an evening where age defied expectations and mutual admiration shone through.
Humphries, the No. 2 seed and 2024 champion, wasted no time asserting his dominance. He stormed through the first two sets without dropping a single leg, breaking Lim’s throw multiple times with clinical precision. His scoring was relentless—highlighted by multiple 180s and quick finishes—leaving the veteran with little opportunity to respond. By the end of the second set, Humphries had won eight legs in a row, showcasing why he has been one of the most formidable players on the circuit.
Yet, as the third set began, the tone shifted in a way that exemplified the beauty of the sport. Humphries’ level dipped slightly, and Lim, fueled by the deafening support from the stands, finally claimed a leg by hitting double top. The eruption from the crowd was thunderous, and in a moment that went viral for all the right reasons, Humphries approached Lim for a warm embrace and handshake right there on the stage. It was a gesture of genuine joy for his opponent’s success, even in defeat.
This act of sportsmanship didn’t go unnoticed. Humphries later reflected, “The third set wasn’t great, but I didn’t want to destroy him 9-0. I’m glad he got a leg in the end.” He added, “It was just a pleasure to play him again, I’m a fan of his… That was the most amazing atmosphere I’ve ever been a part of, when they were calling his name out, it was the loudest I’ve ever heard.” Humphries even raised Lim’s arm aloft at the end of the match in a touching tribute, hugging the veteran once more as the crowd applauded both players.
The history between the two added layers to the encounter. Five years earlier, in the 2020/21 tournament, Lim had stunned a younger Humphries with a 3-2 victory, a loss that Humphries credits as a pivotal turning point in his career. It motivated him to transform his lifestyle, leading to significant weight loss and a rise to world No. 1 status, culminating in multiple major titles. Lim, in turn, has spoken highly of Humphries’ humility, noting before the match, “To come across a champion who is as humble as him… I’ve got nothing ever bad to say about Luke. He is definitely a different Luke Humphries now—he’s great.”
Lim’s career is nothing short of legendary. Debuting at the World Championship in 1982, he made history in 1990 by hitting the first nine-dart finish at the event—a feat achieved five years before Humphries was even born. Representing Singapore with pride, Lim has been a trailblazer for darts in Asia, and his longevity at the elite level inspires players worldwide.
Despite the one-sided scoreline—Humphries closing out the third set 3-1 for a comprehensive victory—the match will be remembered more for its emotional depth than the darts thrown. Humphries advances to the third round after Christmas, where he will face Germany’s Gabriel Clemens. For Lim, though his run ends, his impact endures. As Humphries put it, “He’s just a legend and I love him to bits.”
This clash reminded everyone why darts captivates millions: it’s not just about winning, but about respect, resilience, and the joy of competition across generations. In an era of fierce rivalries, moments like these reinforce the sport’s unique camaraderie.
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