PDC World Darts Championship 2021: Paul Lim, 66, beats Luke Humphries
- Published
Lim described his win as "one for the old guys"
Veteran Paul Lim, in his 25th World Darts Championship, came from two sets down to beat Luke Humphries 3-2 in the opening round at Alexandra Palace.
The 66-year-old first played in the tournament in 1982 and recorded the event's first nine-dart finish in 1990.
He had a 121 checkout on the bullseye during his win over Humphries, averaging 89 to his opponent's 92.
World Grand Prix finalist Dirk van Duijvenbode also trailed 2-0 but beat World Youth Champion Bradley Brooks.
Englishman Humphries, 41 years younger than his Singaporean opponent, missed a match dart in set four and Lim produced checkouts of 56 and 84 to force a decider.
Humphries then missed an incredible 12 darts to go within a leg of victory as Lim led for the first time.
The quarter-finalist for the last two years missed double 13 before Lim sealed the match with a 53 finish, booking a meeting with World Matchplay champion Dimitri van den Bergh in round two.
In the final match of the fourth day, seventh seed James Wade beat Callan Rydz 3-0 in their second-round encounter.