Paul Lim – Darts Legend and Oldest PDC Match Winner

In December 2025, a 71-year-old man walked onto the stage at Alexandra Palace and made history. Paul Lim, the Singaporean darts player known as “the Singapore Slinger,” defeated Jeffrey de Graaf in the first round of the PDC World Championship, becoming the oldest player ever to win a match at the event. It was the latest chapter in a career that began in the 1980s and includes one of the most iconic moments in the sport’s history: the first nine-dart finish ever thrown at a World Championship.

Lim is a specialist in both soft-tip and steel-tip darts, and his longevity has made him a beloved figure far beyond his home country. His story is one of persistence, adaptability, and a deep love for the game.

Personal Background: Age, Nationality, and Family

• Paul Lim, at 71, became the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship in December 2025.
• He hit the first ever 9-darter at the BDO World Darts Championship in 1990, a historic moment for the sport.
• His career spans over four decades, competing in BDO, PDC, and WDF circuits.
• Despite his age, he continues to compete at a high level, inspiring Asian darts players.
• He is known as “The Singapore Slinger” and has a loyal fan base.

How old is Paul Lim?

Paul Lim was born on 25 January 1954. As of 2026, he is 72 years old. During his historic win in December 2025, most media reports referred to him as 71, which was accurate at the time of the tournament. While some social media posts have incorrectly claimed he is 65, his verified birth date of 1954 confirms his age as 71 or 72, depending on the date, according to major sports reports from Wikipedia and BBC Sport.

Where is Paul Lim from?

Lim was born in San Bernardino, California, but he represents Singapore internationally. He is consistently referred to as a Singaporean darts player. Interestingly, he began his international career representing Papua New Guinea, winning the 1980 WDF Pacific Cup singles title there. His biography notes that he has represented four countries throughout his career.

Is Paul Lim married?

Publicly available information about Paul Lim’s marital status is very limited. While some personal social media posts suggest he is married, no authoritative or verified source has disclosed details about his wife or family. This aspect of his personal life remains largely private.

Lim is a specialist in both soft-tip and steel-tip darts, and his longevity has made him a beloved figure far beyond his home country. His story is one of persistence, adaptability, and a deep love for the game.

Career Achievements and Records

What is Paul Lim’s highest ranking?

Exact peak world rankings for Paul Lim are not consistently aggregated in a single, definitive source. His career has spanned the BDO, PDC, and WDF circuits, making a single ranking difficult to pinpoint. He was the oldest player at the 2024 WDF World Darts Championship, where he finished as runner-up, and the oldest player at the 2026 PDC World Championship, as confirmed by BBC Sport. His consistent qualification for major events over four decades speaks to a sustained high level of performance.

Did Paul Lim hit a 9-darter?

Yes. In 1990, during the BDO World Darts Championship, Paul Lim achieved the first-ever nine-dart finish in a World Championship. He completed the perfect leg in his second-round match against Jack McKenna, winning a bonus prize of £52,000. According to Wikipedia, this was the second-ever televised nine-dart finish in history (after John Lowe in 1984) and remains the only one ever recorded in the BDO World Championship.

When did Paul Lim become the oldest winner at the PDC World Championship?

On 13 December 2025, at age 71, Paul Lim defeated Jeffrey de Graaf in the first round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. This made him the oldest player ever to win a match at the event. It is important to note that the record applies to winning a match, not the overall tournament title.

How did Paul Lim perform against Luke Humphries?

No specific match result between Paul Lim and Luke Humphries was found in the provided research materials. The search intent behind this question likely stems from interest in how Lim, as an older player, would match up against a top-ranked contemporary star like Humphries. No official result or report of such a match is available in the sources.

Paul Lim’s Net Worth and Earnings

There is no specific public figure for Paul Lim’s exact net worth. His career longevity and business ventures suggest financial stability, but no verified total is available from any official or reliable source.

What is known is that his 1990 nine-dart finish prize of £52,000 allowed him to start his own business, as reported by BBC Sport. Some search results contain a confusing anecdote claiming he “won £1 million” and a “top prize from this year’s World Championship,” but this appears to be a misattribution or error. Lim lost in the first round of the 2026 PDC event and did not win the tournament.

Key Career Milestones

1. 1954: Born on 25 January in San Bernardino, California.
2. 1980s: Begins professional darts career, competes in BDO events.
3. 1990: Makes history by hitting the first 9-darter at the BDO World Darts Championship.
4. 2000s: Transitions to PDC circuit, continues to compete globally.
5. 2010s: Remains active in WDF and PDC qualifying events.
6. 2025: Becomes the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship, defeating Jeffrey de Graaf at age 71.

What We Know and What’s Speculative

Analysis and Context

Paul Lim’s longevity in darts is extraordinary. He first gained global attention in 1990 with his 9-darter, a feat only achieved by the sport’s elite. Over the following decades, he has been a consistent presence in both BDO and PDC events, often serving as an ambassador for Asian darts. His 2025 PDC World Championship win at age 71 defied expectations and brought renewed focus on his career. Compared to younger players, Lim’s experience and adaptability have kept him competitive. He represents the growing depth of darts talent in Asia and remains a beloved figure in the sport.

Sources and Quotations

The primary sources used to compile this article include the comprehensive biography and career statistics on Wikipedia, the detailed news coverage and interview from BBC Sport, the official sponsor player page on Target Darts, and the live statistics and match history on Darts Database.

“I’ve been playing darts for over 40 years. It’s just a joy to still be competing.”

– Paul Lim, in an interview with BBC Sport (paraphrased)

What’s Next for Paul Lim

Following his historic win at the 2025 PDC World Championship, Paul Lim may continue competing in WDF and PDC events. He remains a popular figure in the Asian darts circuit and could participate in the PDC World Championship 2026 if he qualifies. His legacy as a pioneer for Singaporean and Asian darts is already secure.

Frequently Asked Questions