Darts residing legend, 70, ‘happiest loser in world’ after WDF World Championship fairy story

On Dec 9, 2024

Paul Lim was unable to finish his fairytale at Lakeside on Sunday evening.

The Singapore Slinger, 70, turned back the clock over the weekend as he thrilled fans with his run to the final of WDF World Darts Championship. Lim stood on the cusp of becoming the oldest world champion in the history of the sport.

However, Lim fell short in the final – and he was beaten 6-3 by Shane McGuirk. The unseeded Irishman had been dominant throughout his campaign, and he missed out on becoming the first man, across the BDO, PDC or WDF organisations, to become world champion without dropping a set because of Lim.

A former world soft tip champion, Lim turned professional in 1973 and has appeared on the stage at the Ally Pally in the PDC World Darts Championship in recent years.

Lim cemented his spot in darts history in 1990, when he became the first player ever to nail a nine-dart finish at the World Championships. He came close to repeating the feat almost 30-years later, missing the double 12.

Paul Lim had a fairytale run to the final

The Singapore Slinger was awarded £52,000, for the feat, almost double what Phil Taylor was awarded for winning the whole thing.

“I want to thank the crowd, the people that have been here were amazing. I was down but never give up. I always say, never give up,” Lim said after the match. “That is what you do in life. I will be here next year.”

Speaking after the final with darts commentator Dan McCarthy, Lim told fans: “I am the happiest loser in the world.”

McGuirk said: “Oh my God, I don’t know what happened there. I couldn’t be more relieved to hit top to win that. He put me under pressure and couldn’t stop hitting the 19s. I had to tell myself that I had the lead and eventually it would come.

“After the last break, I thought I had to come out swinging and get it done. I had never been in this situation before. The first set was very nervy and I got away with it.”

Darts