Paul Lim has once again made darts history by defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at Ally Pally. The 71-year-old has solidified his position as the oldest player to secure a victory at the PDC World Championship.

In a surprising turn of events, Lim triumphed over De Graaf, who is 35 years his junior, with a score of 3-1, securing his place in the second round. This achievement comes 44 years after Lim’s initial World Championship appearance.

Lim’s qualification for Ally Pally marks his return since the 2022 World Championship, where he was eliminated in the first round by Joe Murnam. Despite an average of 86.52 and two 180s, Lim managed to outshine a below-par De Graaf.

Expressing his gratitude, Lim credited the supportive crowd for his success, stating, “Just to make it here is an achievement.” Reflecting on his win, he acknowledged the importance of seizing opportunities when they arise.

Notably, Lim’s previous significant win was against current World No.2 Luke Humphries in the preceding year’s championship. If Humphries advances past Ted Evetts, the two players are set to face off again in the second round.

Praising Humphries for his dedication and skill, Lim expressed optimism about the possibility of another victory, emphasizing that Humphries, while talented, is not invincible.

Known as the Singapore Slinger, Lim’s enduring presence in darts has cemented his status as an iconic figure in the sport. Renowned for being the first player to achieve a nine-darter at the World Championship in the 1990 BDO tournament, Lim earned a substantial £52,000 bonus for the feat.