Paul Lim, a 70-year-old darts veteran from Singapore, stands on the precipice of a historic achievement: becoming the oldest darts world champion ever. Forty-two years after his professional debut, Lim has battled his way to the final of the WDF World Championship, a feat made even more remarkable by his absence from the tournament for three decades. His dominant 5-0 semi-final victory over Jason Brandon, punctuated by a 14-leg winning streak and impressive checkouts, underscores his remarkable form and determination. Lim’s journey to the final has been fueled by a desire to “go out with a bang,” a testament to his enduring passion for the sport. He acknowledges the role of luck but emphasizes the importance of self-creation, a philosophy honed over four decades of professional darts. He now faces a formidable opponent in Irish legend Shane McGuirk, but remains focused on playing his best darts and entertaining the crowd.
Lim’s career has been marked by historic moments, including throwing the first televised nine-dart finish at a World Championship in 1990. This achievement cemented his place in darts folklore and showcased his exceptional skill. A victory in the final would not only crown him the oldest world champion but also add another chapter to his storied career. His longevity in the sport contrasts sharply with the relatively shorter careers of many other athletes, demonstrating a remarkable dedication and unwavering competitive spirit. His appearance in the final marks a triumphant return to the world stage, proving that age is just a number when combined with talent, experience, and a burning desire to compete.
Lim’s path to the final was paved with dominant performances, showcasing his ability to handle pressure and maintain composure under the spotlight. Against Brandon, he rallied from dropping the opening leg to win six consecutive legs, establishing a commanding lead. He maintained this momentum throughout the match, capitalizing on missed opportunities by his opponent and punctuating his victory with a stunning 104 checkout. His ability to consistently hit high scores and execute crucial checkouts has been a key factor in his success. His opponent in the final, Shane McGuirk, has been equally impressive, consistently averaging over 90 throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown between two darts legends.
Lim’s career has spanned both the BDO and PDC, showcasing his adaptability and competitiveness across different organizations. He reached the quarter-finals of the World Matchplay and the last 16 of the World Grand Prix in the 1990s, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest level. His near nine-dart finish against Gary Anderson at the PDC Worlds in 2017, narrowly missing double 12, highlighted his continued prowess even in later stages of his career. This versatility and consistent performance across different formats and against varying opponents underscore his remarkable skill and adaptability.
The upcoming final holds significant weight for Lim, as he has indicated that this World Championship will likely be his last. This adds an emotional layer to the already high-stakes match, making a potential victory even more poignant. His decision to potentially retire after this tournament adds a sense of finality and closure to his illustrious career. It underscores his desire to end his competitive journey on his own terms, potentially on the highest of highs. Regardless of the outcome, Lim’s remarkable journey to the final serves as an inspiration to aspiring athletes of all ages.
The broader context of the WDF World Championship adds another dimension to Lim’s story. The tournament features a diverse field of competitors from various backgrounds and experience levels. The full draw, including notable names like Luke Humphries, Raymond van Barneveld, James Wade, and Peter Wright, highlights the competitive nature of the tournament and the challenges Lim has overcome to reach the final. His success in this environment underscores his enduring skill and ability to compete with some of the best players in the world, regardless of age. The tournament itself serves as a platform for both established stars and rising talents, making Lim’s journey to the final even more noteworthy.
