
Paul Lim continues to defy age as oldest winner at World Darts Championship
Paul Lim continues to defy age as oldest winner at World Darts Championship
- Paul Lim won against Jeffrey de Graaf, making history as the oldest competitor and winner in PDC World Darts Championship.
- Luke Humphries delivered a strong performance defeating Ted Evetts, aiming to reclaim his former glory.
- The upcoming match between Lim and Humphries is filled with mutual respect, as both recognize each other's talents.
Story
In the 2026 World Darts Championship held at Alexandra Palace, Paul Lim made history by becoming the oldest competitor and winner at the tournament at 71 years old. Lim achieved this remarkable feat with a 3-1 victory over Jeffrey de Graaf, showcasing not just his longevity in the sport but also the skill that led him to be a trailblazer for players of all ages. Lim’s win was a significant moment in his career, as he celebrated 43 years since his world championship debut. Following this, Lim expressed excitement about facing Luke Humphries again, a player he previously vanquished five years prior in the same tournament, adding another layer of anticipation to their rematch. On the other hand, Luke Humphries has been preparing diligently for this tournament. Following his strong performance against Ted Evetts, where he won 3-1 and hit eight 180s, Humphries aims to reclaim his spot as the world number one and is determined to be crowned a two-time world champion. Despite his good form, Humphries acknowledged that facing Lim poses a unique challenge, given Lim's legendary status and the crowd's potential bias in favor of the older player. Both players recognized the significance of their history together and the respect they hold for one another, adding emotional depth to their competitive spirit. The tournament itself has garnered attention with other notable competitors like Wessel Nijman and Gabriel Clemens advancing in the Championship. Gary Anderson, a two-time champion himself, also moved forward in the bracket after his first-round match. The competition has been fierce, with rising stars and seasoned players clashing on the new, larger stage, which has added to the excitement of this year’s event. Fans are looking forward to the high-stakes rematch between Lim and Humphries, particularly as both players have a deep respect for each other. Lim’s statement that moments like these keep him motivated in the sport reflects the larger narrative of the Championship, where age and experience meet the ambition and dynamism of younger players. The outcome of their showdown promises to captivate not only their fellow competitors but also the global audience tuning in.