Paul Lim insists his love of the game is the secret to his longevity, after the Singapore icon created more history at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship on Saturday evening.
Lim rolled back the years on Day Three at the World Championship, producing a nerveless display to dump out Sweden’s number one Jeffrey de Graaf to the delight of the Alexandra Palace crowd.
There was nothing to separate the pair after two sets, before Lim punished a missed opportunity from De Graaf in the latter stages of the third on his way to a landmark 3-1 victory.
“I always believe I have a chance,” insisted Lim – the oldest player to triumph at the World Darts Championship.
“If I didn’t believe it could happen, then it’s time for me to give it up.
“This is what has kept me going throughout the years, the chance to achieve moments like this.
“I just love the game, and I really appreciate having the opportunity to play on the biggest stage.”
Lim made his PDC World Championship debut in 1997/98 – in just the fourth edition of the event – and he admits he’s grateful to still be competing at the highest level.
“First and foremost I’m thankful to be here,” continued Lim.
“Just to make it into this event is an achievement, and I’m so glad to win!
“The standard of play nowadays is not like it was before. There are so many fantastic players. Jeffrey is a great player, but I had the opportunity and I took it.”
Prior to his victory over De Graaf, Lim’s last victory on the World Championship stage came against Luke Humphries in 2020/21, and the pair will now renew their rivalry in a blockbuster round two tussle.
2023/24 World Champion Humphries averaged almost 99 and landed eight maximums in his opening round success against Ted Evetts, taking out a sublime 138 checkout in the process.
Lim concedes Humphries is a very different proposition to the player he faced at Alexandra Palace five years ago, although he’s hoping to cause another seismic shock on his return to the capital.
“The Luke Humphries today is not the same Luke Humphries I played a few years ago," added Singapore's World Cup veteran.
“He’s definitely a force to be reckoned with. He’s one of the best players in the world, and he’s a gentleman too.
“I've been watching the last few years and he puts so much effort and time into what he's doing. I just hope on a given day it can happen again!”