In the ever-evolving world of professional darts, where young prodigies occasionally emerge to redefine the sport, Singaporean legend Paul Lim has delivered one of the most striking endorsements yet for the current dominant force: Luke Littler. The 71-year-old “Singapore Slinger,” a darts icon renowned for his longevity, record-breaking nine-darters, and status as the oldest player to compete at the highest levels, has likened the teenage sensation to none other than golf’s transformative figure, Tiger Woods.
Lim, who has witnessed generations of players rise and fall since making his mark in the 1980s and 1990s, didn’t mince words when assessing Littler’s extraordinary talent and impact. Drawing a direct parallel to Woods’ explosive arrival on the golf scene as a young phenom who revolutionized the game with unmatched skill, composure, and marketability, Lim highlighted what sets Littler apart in darts. “Luke Littler, there’s something about him. He’s like Tiger Woods to me,” Lim stated. “When I used to watch, he’s like Tiger Woods. He’s a talent, that’s for sure.”
This comparison carries significant weight coming from Lim, a player who achieved the first nine-darter in World Championship history back in 1990 and continues to compete at elite events well into his seventh decade. Having faced Littler multiple times recently—including decisive losses in high-profile World Series matches such as the Bahrain Darts Masters and Saudi Arabia Darts Masters in early 2026, where Littler cruised to 6-1 victories—Lim has experienced firsthand the 18-year-old’s relentless precision and mental edge. In those encounters, Littler showcased his trademark flair, including eye-catching checkouts that left crowds in awe, further solidifying his reputation as a generational talent.
Lim emphasized Littler’s natural gifts, describing them as “flawless” in a manner reminiscent of Woods’ early dominance on the fairways. Woods burst onto the professional golf scene in the mid-1990s, winning majors with a combination of power, finesse, and an unflappable demeanor that captivated global audiences and elevated the sport’s profile. Similarly, Littler has exploded into darts prominence, claiming back-to-back PDC World Championship titles and drawing massive crowds wherever he plays. His ability to perform under pressure, hit maximum 180s with ease, and maintain consistency has drawn parallels to how Woods once made golf must-watch television.
“I don’t think there will be anyone like him. He’s like Tiger Woods,” Lim added in reflections shared during recent tournament coverage, underscoring his belief that Littler’s blend of youth, skill, and charisma is unprecedented in the sport. This isn’t mere hyperbole; Littler has already transformed darts’ appeal, attracting younger fans and boosting viewership numbers in a way that echoes Woods’ influence on golf’s popularity surge two decades ago.
The endorsement comes at a pivotal moment for Littler, who continues to rack up titles across the PDC calendar while navigating the intense scrutiny that accompanies superstardom at such a young age. Recent events, including his commanding performances against veterans like Lim, demonstrate why many see him as the face of darts’ future. Lim’s comments also highlight the respect Littler commands from even the most seasoned figures in the game—players who have dedicated lifetimes to the oche and recognize true greatness when they see it.
For Lim himself, the comparison is tinged with admiration rather than rivalry. Despite the defeats, he has spoken glowingly of Littler’s potential to leave a lasting legacy, much like Woods did in golf by shattering records and inspiring a new wave of competitors. As darts enters an exciting era dominated by this prodigy, Lim’s words serve as a powerful reminder of just how special Littler truly is. In a sport built on precision and poise, calling someone the “Tiger Woods of darts” is perhaps the highest praise imaginable—and from a legend like Paul Lim, it carries the authenticity of someone who has seen it all.
With Littler showing no signs of slowing down, the darts world watches eagerly to see how far this comparison will stretch. If his trajectory continues, the “Tiger Woods of darts” moniker may prove not just poetic, but prophetic.
Leave a Reply