Paul Lim: The Ageless Singapore Slinger Who Redefines Darts Longevity
LONDON, 19 January 2026 – In a sport increasingly dominated by youthful power and precision, Paul Lim stands as a timeless monument to skill, passion, and enduring class. The Singaporean legend, known universally as the ‘Singapore Slinger’, has spent over four decades not just participating in world darts, but consistently rewriting its record books. From a historic nine-darter in 1990 to becoming the oldest winner of a match at the PDC World Championship in 2025, Lim’s career is a masterclass in sporting longevity.
A Career Forged Across Continents
Born on 25 January 1954, Paul Lim Leong Hwa’s journey in darts is as global as his appeal. After learning the game in a London pub while training as a chef in the 1970s, Lim’s talent took him across the world. He represented Papua New Guinea internationally, winning the 1980 WDF Pacific Cup, before moving to the United States in 1985 to compete on the American circuit while working as a part-time chef. He eventually settled representing his homeland of Singapore, becoming its most iconic sporting export.
The Moment of History: The 1990 Nine-Darter
Lim secured his place in darting folklore on 9 January 1990 at the BDO World Darts Championship. In his second-round match against Ireland’s Jack McKenna, he achieved the first-ever perfect nine-dart finish in the history of the world championship. The sequence of 180, 180, and a finish of T20, T19, D12 earned him a legendary £52,000 bonus and ensured his name would forever be etched in the sport’s history as a pioneer of perfection.
Late-Career Renaissance and Record-Breaking Feats
Far from fading away, Lim has enjoyed a remarkable renaissance in his senior years. In December 2024, at the age of 70, he defied 150/1 odds to reach the final of the WDF World Darts Championship at Lakeside, ultimately finishing as runner-up to Ireland’s Shane McGuirk. This made him the oldest player ever to contest a world championship final.
He then carried that form into the PDC arena. Qualifying for the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship, the 71-year-old made history once again on 13 December 2025. His 3-1 first-round victory over Jeffrey de Graaf at Alexandra Palace made him the oldest player ever to win a match at the PDC World Championship, breaking a record held since 2008. His campaign ended in the second round with a 3-0 defeat to 2024 world champion Luke Humphries, but not before endearing himself once more to the Ally Pally crowd.
Key Facts & Career Statistics
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name & Nickname | Paul Lim Leong Hwa, “The Singapore Slinger” |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1954 |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Historic Feat | First player to hit a nine-dart finish at the World Darts Championship (1990) |
| 2024 WDF World Championship | Runner-up, aged 70 (oldest finalist ever) |
| 2026 PDC World Championship Record | Oldest player to win a match (aged 71, 13 Dec 2025) |
| Career WDF Major Finals | 5 (3 titles, 2 runner-up finishes) |
| Other Profession | Chef |
Ambassador and Inspiration
Beyond his achievements on the oche, Lim is revered as a global ambassador for darts. His gentle demeanour, unwavering sportsmanship, and palpable joy for competition have made him a favourite among fans and peers alike. He has represented Singapore multiple times at the PDC World Cup of Darts, famously partnering with Harith Lim to defeat top seeds Scotland in 2017. Now in his eighth decade, Lim continues to advocate for the growth of darts in Asia, aiming to inspire the next generation of players.
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Paul Lim?
As of 19 January 2026, Paul Lim is 71 years old. He was born on 25 January 1954.
What is Paul Lim’s most famous achievement?
His most famous achievement is hitting the first-ever nine-dart finish at a World Darts Championship, which he accomplished on 9 January 1990 during the BDO World Championship against Jack McKenna.
Did Paul Lim win the 2024 WDF World Championship?
No, he was the runner-up. In December 2024, at the age of 70, he made a sensational run to the final but was defeated 6-3 by Ireland’s Shane McGuirk.
What record did he set at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship?
By defeating Jeffrey de Graaf 3-1 in the first round on 13 December 2025, Paul Lim, aged 71, became the oldest player ever to win a match at the PDC World Darts Championship.