At 71, Paul Lim once again reminded the darts world why his name is spoken with such respect. The Singaporean legend rolled back the years at the World Darts Championship, becoming the oldest player to win a match on the sport’s biggest stage. Yet even after writing another remarkable chapter in his own career, Lim chose to shine the spotlight elsewhere — on teenage sensation Luke Littler, whom he described in striking terms as the “Tiger Woods of darts.”
Lim’s endorsement landed with real impact because of who it came from. Few players have witnessed the evolution of professional darts as closely as Lim, whose career spans decades and generations. For him to compare Littler to one of sport’s most transformative figures was not casual praise. It was a statement about how deeply the teenager’s presence is already being felt within the game.
Speaking after his historic win, Lim did not hesitate when asked about Littler’s rise. He highlighted the young star’s composure, confidence and almost effortless ability on the big stage, noting how unusual it is to see someone so young dominate with such authority. According to Lim, Littler does not just win matches — he changes the atmosphere in arenas and the expectations of what is possible in darts at such an early age.
The comparison to Tiger Woods is rooted in more than just talent. Like Woods in golf, Littler has burst into the sport and immediately altered its landscape. His rapid climb to the top, combined with his fearless approach under pressure, has made him must-watch television. Crowds swell when he plays, social media buzz follows every performance, and opponents know they are facing someone who can take control of a match in a matter of legs.
Littler’s list of achievements continues to grow at a pace rarely seen before. Major titles, record-breaking performances and a rise to the very top of the rankings have all arrived before he has even finished his teenage years. What stands out most, however, is the maturity with which he handles success. Whether on the oche or in front of the cameras, he appears unfazed, treating historic moments as routine parts of his job.
The ripple effects extend beyond results. Tournament organisers, broadcasters and sponsors have all felt the surge in attention that follows Littler. Younger fans are tuning in, merchandise sales have spiked, and darts is finding itself discussed in wider sporting conversations. For many observers, this is where the Tiger Woods comparison truly fits — an athlete whose impact stretches far beyond scorelines and trophies.
Littler himself has acknowledged that he feels the shift. He has spoken openly about recognising how his success has brought new eyes to the sport and raised its profile. Winning on debut in major competitions, thriving in high-pressure environments and embracing the spotlight have all contributed to a sense that darts is entering a new era, with Littler at its centre.
What made Lim’s comments especially poignant was the contrast on display at Alexandra Palace. On one side stood a 71-year-old still defying time and expectations; on the other, an 18-year-old redefining what a young darts player can achieve. Together, they represented the full span of the sport — its rich history and its exciting future.
For Littler, such praise brings both validation and responsibility. Being labelled a generational figure inevitably raises expectations, but so far he has shown little sign of being weighed down by them. If anything, the pressure seems to sharpen his focus.
Whether the Tiger Woods comparison ultimately proves prophetic will only be decided over time. What is already clear, though, is that Luke Littler has done something rare: earned the admiration of legends while captivating a new generation of fans. In the eyes of Paul Lim and many others watching closely, darts is witnessing the rise of a figure capable of shaping the sport for years to come.
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