Singaporean darts star Paul Lim has made history at the Darts World Championships at the Alexandra Palace and has already been sent a word of praise by reigning champion Luke Littler
Paul Lim has joked that Luke Littler was ‘out of his mind’ when he said he wanted to avoid him at the darts world championships. The Singaporean has made history at the Alexandra Palace over the past week, having claimed the record as the oldest player ever to secure a victory at the competition.
Lim, 71, beat Jeffrey de Graaf to claim the record, with previous holder John MaGowan being 67 when he overcame Chris Mason. Ahead of the world championships kicking off, Littler ranked Lim as one of two players he wanted to avoid alongside Beau Greaves.
Asked about those comments on Saturday, Lim replied: “I thought it was a joke, I really did. Honestly, my friend from Liverpool and he sent the thing to me and I said ‘no, it’s a gimmick’.
“I really didn’t believe that and apparently later on someone told me ‘no, he really said that’. He must be out of his mind. That’s all I can think.
“I don’t know why he said that. To me, it sounds like a compliment. Maybe he feels that the crowd would be behind me and it showed tonight that the crowd was behind me and I appreciate that.”
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As well as addressing Littler’s comments, Lim praised the teenager and his upcoming opponent Luke Humphries, who the veteran will be taking on in the second round. Speaking to talkSPORT, Lim said: “There’s a few players in the PDC that are really, really special, and he (Luke Humphries) is one of them.
“I have to say that. Luke Littler is just one of those lads that’s come up in the last two years, now he is definitely special.
“I hate to say it, I don’t think there’s going to be anyone like him. Luke Littler, there’s something about him. He’s like Tiger Woods to me. When I used to watch, he’s like Tiger Woods. He’s a talent, that’s all I can say.”
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Littler has already safely sealed his place in the second round of the world championships with victory against Darius Labanauskas of Lithuania. Speaking after that game, he said: “It definitely wasn’t easy and I’m happy with the win,
“There were a few nerves but once you win a leg and win a set, it settles you down. That first set was crucial against the darts.
“Everyone in the tournament wants to get through the first round. It’s definitely the hardest game – it doesn’t matter who you play. If you don’t play well, you’re not going to win, so I’m very happy with that.”
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