Humphries Ends Paul Lim’s Magical Run as Ally Pally Salutes a Darts Legend
If you were watching the PDC World Darts Championship and wondering why the crowd sounded like it was backing the underdog all night, the answer was simple: Paul Lim was back on the Alexandra Palace stage. At 71 years old, the Singapore Slinger once again reminded everyone why his name still carries so much weight in darts, even though his journey this time was brought to an end by Luke Humphries in a straight-sets victory.
The scoreline will show a comfortable 3–0 win for Humphries, but that doesn’t tell the full story. From the very first dart, it was clear that Humphries knew exactly what he was walking into. The atmosphere was electric, and the crowd was firmly on Lim’s side, singing his name and roaring at every big score. It was acknowledged afterward that Humphries had to come out fighting early, because any hesitation could have allowed the emotion of the moment to swing the match.
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What followed was a masterclass in control. Humphries was clinical with his scoring and ruthless on the doubles, dropping just one leg across the entire match. The first two sets flew by, with the defending champion averaging at an extraordinary level and giving Lim very few chances to apply pressure. It was said later that Lim actually played better than the scoreboard suggested, but he was simply up against a performance that left no room for romance.
The third set, however, gave the crowd the moment they had been waiting for. Lim finally landed a double to win a leg, and the reaction inside Ally Pally was thunderous. It felt like a victory in itself. Humphries even admitted afterward that he was glad Lim avoided a 9–0 whitewash in legs, because it wouldn’t have felt right given the respect everyone has for him.
After the final dart, the image said everything. Humphries embraced Lim, then raised his arm to the crowd, allowing the fans to give one more standing ovation to a man who continues to defy age and expectation. It was described as one of the most special atmospheres Humphries has ever played in.
Lim’s exit may have come in round two, but his influence on the sport remains huge. He spoke again about his belief that an Asian men’s world champion will eventually emerge, insisting it’s only a matter of time once enough players are developed. On nights like this, watching a 71-year-old still trading maximums with the world’s best, it’s hard to argue with him.
Humphries moves on to round three with business taken care of. Paul Lim, meanwhile, leaves the stage with something just as valuable: the love and admiration of the entire darts world.
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