At the iconic Alexandra Palace, where the PDC World Darts Championship never fails to produce heartwarming stories amid the high-stakes drama, 71-year-old Paul Lim delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s one of the sport’s most enduring icons. The Singaporean veteran, affectionately known as “The Singapore Slinger,” etched his name deeper into darts history on December 13, 2025, by defeating Sweden’s Jeffrey de Graaf 3-1 in the first round. In doing so, he became the oldest player ever to win a match at the PDC World Championship, surpassing the previous record held by John MaGowan, who was 67 back in 2009.
Lim’s victory was no fluke; he seized opportunities with the composure of a seasoned pro, capitalizing on his opponent’s missed shots while soaking up the electric support from the Ally Pally crowd. “First and foremost, I’m thankful to be here and I’m thankful to this crowd behind me,” Lim said post-match. “Just to make it here is an achievement. No matter how good you are, there are times where you miss a shot, and you’ve just got to take advantage of it.” The roaring fans turned the evening session into a celebration of longevity, with Lim’s every 180 and checkout met by thunderous applause—a testament to his status as a crowd favorite.
But the real headline-grabber came when Lim addressed comments made by defending champion and world No. 1 Luke Littler ahead of the tournament. The teenage sensation, fresh off his historic 2025 title win, had revealed that Lim was one of just two players he hoped to avoid in the draw, alongside women’s world No. 1 Beau Greaves. Littler’s reasoning appeared tied to the intimidating atmosphere Lim creates, with the veteran often backed wholeheartedly by the partisan Alexandra Palace crowd.
Lim’s reaction was pure gold—equal parts disbelief, humor, and flattery. “I thought it was a joke! A friend from Liverpool sent it to me and I thought it was just a gimmick,” he recounted with a laugh. “When I realised he actually said it, I thought he must be out of his mind! But honestly, I take it as a compliment.” He added thoughtfully, “Maybe he feels like the crowd would be behind me, and I think tonight it showed too. The crowd was behind me and I appreciate that.” Lim speculated that the boisterous support could unsettle opponents, turning matches into uphill battles for anyone facing him on this stage.
This exchange highlights the generational chasm in darts: Littler, the 18-year-old phenom who burst onto the scene and claimed the Sid Waddell Trophy last year, versus Lim, a pioneer who threw the first-ever nine-darter at a World Championship (in the BDO version back in 1990) and has been competing at the highest level for decades. Lim heaped praise on the young star, comparing him to a golfing great: “Luke Littler, there’s something about him. He’s like Tiger Woods to me. He’s a talent, that’s all I can say.” It’s this mutual respect that underscores the beauty of the sport, bridging eras in a way few others can.
Lim’s win sets up a tantalizing second-round clash with former world champion Luke Humphries, whom he famously defeated on this very stage five years ago during a pandemic-era tournament played behind closed doors. Reflecting on that upset, Lim noted it as one of his career highlights, alongside other notable scalps like Mark Webster. Now, with a full house expected, the rematch promises fireworks. “The Luke Humphries of today is not the Luke Humphries a few years ago,” Lim acknowledged. “He’s honestly a force to be reckoned with. He’s one of the best players in the world.” Yet, ever the optimist, Lim remains hopeful: “I hope on a given day it can happen again, but I never give up. He is good but he can be beaten.”
Humphries, who advanced with a convincing 3-1 win over Ted Evetts, has spoken warmly of Lim, calling him a “warrior” and crediting their past encounter with sparking personal growth, including his transformative weight loss journey. The Englishman views the upcoming tie as business, but with deep admiration for the veteran’s passion and longevity.
Lim’s return to Alexandra Palace after a three-year absence—his first PDC major since 2022—feels like a fairy tale. Having qualified via the Asian Tour, the 71-year-old continues to defy Father Time, inspiring players and fans alike. Moments like these, he says, are what keep him going: the biggest stage, the adoring crowd, and the chance to create more magic. As the championship unfolds, Lim’s story serves as a poignant reminder that in darts, age is truly just a number, and legends never fade—they just keep slinging arrows.
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