Is 71 the New 21? Meet Lim, the Town's Oldest Flinger!

Paul Lim, at 71 years old, has made history by becoming the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship. His remarkable achievement not only highlights his longevity in the sport but also marks over three decades since he became the first player to achieve a nine-dart finish at the World Championship. Lim's journey continues as he prepares for a second-round match against world number two Luke Humphries.

Last updated: 12 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Paul Lim's recent victory against Sweden's Jeffrey de Graaf at the PDC World Championship has captivated darts fans worldwide. This win not only cements his place in the record books but also proves that age is no barrier in a sport that relies heavily on skill and precision rather than physical strength. Lim will now face Luke Humphries, the reigning world champion, in the next round, a match that promises to be an exciting contest given their previous encounters.

Key takeaways

Paul Lim is the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship at age 71.
Lim first gained fame in darts by achieving a nine-dart finish in 1990.
He continues to inspire younger players and promote the sport in Asia.

Timeline: how we got here

Paul Lim's journey in darts has been marked by several significant milestones:

1982: Lim first participated in the World Championship.
1990: Achieved a nine-dart finish at the BDO World Championship.
2022: Qualified for his first PDC World Championship in years.
2023: Wins his first-round match at the PDC World Championship, becoming the oldest winner.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Lim’s latest victory has reignited interest in his career and the potential for an Asian player to become a world champion. His upcoming match against Humphries is highly anticipated, especially given Lim's past success against him.

What was already established

Lim has long been a figure in darts, known for his historical nine-dart finish and his role in promoting the sport in Asia. His achievements have made him a beloved character among fans and players alike.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

Lim's presence in the PDC World Championship not only excites fans but also highlights the growing global popularity of darts, especially among younger audiences. As interest in the sport increases, it could lead to more viewership and engagement in darts-related events.

Businesses and jobs

The global reach of darts has seen an increase in sponsorship and business opportunities, particularly in Asia. Lim's success may encourage more investments in the sport, potentially leading to job creation in coaching, event management, and player representation.

Policy and regulation

As darts continues to grow, there may be discussions among governing bodies about promoting the sport in underrepresented regions. Lim's achievements could serve as a catalyst for initiatives aimed at nurturing talent in Asia.

Numbers that matter

71: Age of Paul Lim, making him the oldest player to win at the PDC World Championship.
36: Years since Lim first achieved a nine-dart finish.
52,000: Amount (£) Lim earned for his nine-dart finish in 1990, exceeding that year's champion's prize.

Definitions and jargon buster

PDC: Professional Darts Corporation, the leading professional darts organisation.
BDO: British Darts Organisation, now defunct, historically significant in the sport's development.
Nine-dart finish: The highest possible score in darts, achieved in only nine darts, showcasing exceptional skill.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Watch Lim's upcoming match against Humphries, which could further inspire fans and young players in the sport.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Monitor the growth of darts in Asia, particularly in countries like Singapore and Japan, as they develop more competitive players.

Signals to watch

Upcoming tournaments featuring Asian players.
Changes in sponsorship and investment in darts, particularly in emerging markets.

Practical guidance

Do

Follow darts tournaments to support players from underrepresented regions.
Encourage young players to take up darts and participate in local leagues.

Don’t

Underestimate the potential of older players in the sport.
Dismiss the growing interest in darts in Asia and other regions.

Checklist

Stay updated on tournament schedules and results.
Engage with local darts communities and support events.
Promote the sport to younger generations.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While Lim's achievements are commendable, there is uncertainty about how long he will continue to compete at a high level. The dynamics of the sport can also change rapidly, with new talents emerging regularly. Moreover, the potential for an Asian winner of the PDC World Championship remains speculative, depending on various factors including training opportunities and competitive exposure.

Bottom line

Paul Lim's legacy in darts is firmly established as he proves that passion and skill can defy age. His journey not only inspires fellow players but also brings a spotlight to the growing global interest in darts. As he continues to compete, the possibilities for the sport's future remain bright.

FAQs

Who is Paul Lim?

Paul Lim is a 71-year-old darts player from Singapore, known for being the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship and for achieving the first nine-dart finish in 1990.

What is a nine-dart finish?

A nine-dart finish is the highest possible score in darts, completed in just nine darts, showcasing exceptional skill and precision.

What impact has Lim had on darts in Asia?

Lim has significantly promoted darts in Asia, inspiring a new generation of players and increasing the sport's popularity in countries like Singapore and Japan.