PAUL LIM’s extraordinary journey at Lakeside concluded in the WDF World Darts Championship final against Irish player Shane McGuirk.

The Singapore Slinger, now 70 years old, sought to create history as the oldest world champion in darts after an impressive week in Frimley Green.

3

3

In a valiant effort late in the match, the veteran Lim succumbed to McGuirk 6-3, who is 41 years his junior, on the prestigious oche.

Unseeded McGuirk, known as the Arrow and aged 29, secured his first title and took home £50,000, having only lost three sets out of 26 in six matches.

His performance was one of the most assertive in the championship’s history.

Nonetheless, he did not achieve the distinction of being the first player across the BDO, PDC, or WDF to win a world title without dropping a single set.

Previous legends Eric Bristow (1984 BDO), John Part (1994 BDO), and Phil Taylor (2001 PDC) accomplished their titles by allowing just one set throughout their tournaments.

Lim, who wears glasses and employs a deliberate, measured throwing style, had chances to win the opening set but was unable to convert those opportunities.

Although McGuirk appeared poised to take control of the match, the predominantly pro-Lim crowd had moments to celebrate as their hero took sets five, seven, and eight to cut the deficit to 5-3.

There was a flicker of hope for Lim to level the match at 5-5, and while he showcased his skill with some 180s, McGuirk managed to dispel any tension to close out the match.

A former world soft tip champion, Lim’s illustrious career began in 1973, and he last competed in the PDC World Darts Championship just three years ago.

Astonishing moment two-time world darts champion surprises fan with a Robbie Williams performance on stage

In January 1990, at the Lakeside venue, when Phil Taylor won his first of 16 world titles, the Asian darts legend achieved the first nine-dart finish at the global level.

For this accomplishment, he received a £52,000 cash prize, nearly double what The Power earned as the champion.

This tournament was the third edition of the WDF World Championships, stepping in to occupy the space left empty when the BDO disbanded in 2020.

Participants in this event are barred from competing in the upcoming PDC Worlds, which start at Alexandra Palace this Sunday.

Beau Greaves successfully defended her title as the women’s world champion for the third consecutive year with a 4-1 victory over Scotland’s Sophie McKinlay, averaging 83.92 in the final.

After his match against Lim, McGuirk remarked: “Oh my God, I can’t believe what just happened. I’m exceedingly relieved to hit top to secure that win.

“He applied considerable pressure, consistently hitting the 19s. I had to keep reminding myself that I had the advantage, and eventually, it would pay off.”

3

“After the last break, I realized I had to come out swinging and finish it. I had never encountered a situation like this before. The first set was highly tense, but I managed to push through.”

Lim expressed: “I want to thank the crowd; their support has been tremendous. Even in challenging times, I never surrender. I always encourage perseverance in life.

“That’s how life goes. I will return next year.”