Paul Lim – Age, Net Worth, Ranking, and 9-Darter Legacy
Paul Lim Leong Hwa, known to fans as “The Singapore Slinger,” is a pioneering figure in professional darts. His career, spanning more than four decades, is defined by a historic perfect nine-dart finish at the 1990 World Championship and a record-setting victory at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship at the age of 71.
Born in Singapore and now residing in the United States, Lim’s journey from a chef to a global darts icon is a story of longevity and remarkable achievement. He remains an active competitor on the World Darts Federation (WDF) circuit.
This profile covers his age, nationality, career earnings, historic records, and his recent head-to-head matchups with modern stars like Luke Humphries.
Paul Lim’s Personal Life: Age, Wife, and Nationality
- Paul Lim is a pioneering Singaporean darts player, active since the 1980s.
- He is best known for throwing the first televised 9-darter at a World Championship in 1990.
- Despite limited recent top-level success, he remains a beloved figure in the sport, known as “The Singapore Slinger.”
- His net worth is not publicly disclosed but is estimated modestly from prize money and endorsements.
- He continues to compete in WDF events and maintain a social media presence.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Paul Lim Leong Hwa |
| Date of Birth | 25 January 1954 |
| Age | 72 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Singaporean |
| Nickname | The Singapore Slinger |
| World Championship 9-darter | 1990 (first in history) |
| Current WDF Men’s Rank | 414 (2025) |
| Major Titles | 0 |
| Career Prize Money (approx.) | £416,128 (total career) |
| Equipment Sponsor | Target Darts |
How old is Paul Lim?
Paul Lim was born on 25 January 1954, making him 72 years old as of 2026. His age became a major talking point during the 2026 PDC World Championship, where he became the oldest player ever to win a match at the event.
Where is Paul Lim from?
Lim was born in Singapore and represents the country internationally. According to his Target Darts profile, he currently resides in San Bernardino, California, USA. Before turning professional, he worked as a chef in the United States.
Who is Paul Lim’s wife?
Specific details about Paul Lim’s wife are not widely available in public sources. While some references mention a marriage, her name and background have not been prominently confirmed in the provided research.
What is Paul Lim’s Net Worth and Career Earnings?
Paul Lim’s net worth estimate
An exact net worth for Paul Lim has not been publicly disclosed. The £52,000 prize he won for his 1990 nine-dart finish was a significant sum at the time, reportedly allowing him to start his own business, as noted by BBC Sport. His overall financial standing is not a matter of public record.
What is Paul Lim’s career earnings?
According to Darts Database, Paul Lim’s total career prize money is recorded at £416,128. This figure includes earnings from various tournaments across the BDO, PDC, and WDF circuits over his long career.
The £52,000 prize for his 1990 9-darter was more than the year’s champion Phil Taylor earned. This windfall helped Lim transition from his work as a chef to focus more on his darts career and business ventures.
What is Paul Lim’s Current Ranking?
Current WDF ranking
As of 2025, Paul Lim is ranked #414 in the World Darts Federation (WDF) men’s rankings. This position reflects his continued participation in WDF events, though he is not currently a top contender on the main PDC circuit.
Historical ranking milestones
While Lim has never been ranked number one in the world, his career has been marked by consistency and longevity. He has competed at the highest levels of the sport for over four decades, a feat few players have matched.
Paul Lim’s Historic 9-Darter Achievement
Did Paul Lim throw a 9-darter?
Yes, Paul Lim threw a perfect nine-dart finish at the 1990 BDO World Darts Championship. This achievement is widely recognized as the first televised nine-darter in the history of the World Championship.
When did Paul Lim throw a 9-darter?
The historic moment occurred in 1990 during his match against Jack Hennessey at the BDO World Darts Championship. The feat earned him a £52,000 prize, which at the time surpassed the champion’s winnings.
Paul Lim’s 1990 world championship 9-darter
The 1990 nine-darter remains one of the most iconic moments in darts history. It was the first time a player had achieved a perfect leg on the biggest stage of the sport, cementing Lim’s legacy as a trailblazer.
Paul Lim’s 1990 nine-darter was the first ever at a World Championship. It was not until 2009 that Raymond van Barneveld threw the second nine-darter at the PDC World Championship, highlighting the rarity and significance of Lim’s achievement.
Paul Lim vs Luke Humphries: Head-to-Head
Recent match between Paul Lim and Luke Humphries
Paul Lim defeated Luke Humphries 3–2 in the first round of the 2021 PDC World Championship. This victory was a major upset at the time, as Humphries was already a rising star in the sport.
Career head-to-head record
The two players are scheduled to meet again in the second round of the 2026 PDC World Championship. Humphries, now the 2024 World Champion and world number one, is considered a much stronger opponent than he was in 2021. Their head-to-head record is limited to these two encounters.
Timeline of Paul Lim’s Career
- 1954: Born in Singapore on 25 January.
- 1980s: Begins professional darts career, competes in BDO events.
- 1990: Throws the first nine-darter in World Championship history at the BDO World Championship.
- 1990s–2000s: Competes in BDO and PDC events, reaches last 16 at several majors.
- 2010s: Continues playing on WDF circuit, moves to Target Darts as a sponsored player.
- 2021: Defeats Luke Humphries in the first round of the PDC World Championship.
- 2026: Becomes the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship (age 71), defeating Jeffrey de Graaf 3–1.
What is Known and What Remains Unclear About Paul Lim
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Date of birth and age verified by Wikipedia and WDF. | Net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary widely. |
| 9-darter achievement at the 1990 World Championship is well-documented. | Wife’s identity is not widely confirmed; some sources mention a marriage but not a name. |
| Current WDF ranking is #414 as of 2025. | Head-to-head record with Luke Humphries is limited to two matches. |
| He uses Target Darts equipment per sponsorship. | Exact prize money total is not fully tracked across all decades. |
Paul Lim’s Legacy and Impact on Darts
Paul Lim’s career spans four decades, symbolizing longevity and sportsmanship. His 1990 nine-darter remains a historic moment in darts, often cited as the first in a world championship. Though not a major title winner, he has inspired many Asian darts players and remains a cult figure in the sport.
Modern comparisons, such as his matchups against Luke Humphries, highlight the generational gap in skill level and tournament structure. Lim’s ability to compete at the highest level well into his 70s is a testament to his dedication and love for the game.
Sources and Quotes on Paul Lim
“Paul Lim Leong Hwa (born 25 January 1954) is a Singaporean professional darts player.”
“Paul Lim, known as ‘The Singapore Slinger’, is one of the most iconic figures in darts.”
“Current Years Statistics: £26,750 prize money.”
Summary: Who is Paul Lim?
Paul Lim is a Singaporean darts legend best known for throwing the first nine-darter in World Championship history in 1990 and for becoming the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship in 2026 at age 71. His career, spanning over 40 years, has made him a beloved figure in the sport. For more on the technical side of the game, see our guide on Darts Distance – Official Board Height and Throw Line Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Lim
What darts does Paul Lim use?
Paul Lim is sponsored by Target Darts and uses their equipment. He uses a 22g dart weight and his favorite checkout is Double 16.
Is Paul Lim still playing darts?
Yes, as of 2026 he continues to compete in WDF events and the PDC World Championship, as demonstrated by his record-setting win in 2026.
How much prize money has Paul Lim won?
According to Darts Database, his total career prize money is approximately £416,128, though this may not include all earnings from earlier decades.
Has Paul Lim ever won a major title?
No, Paul Lim has not won a major PDC or BDO world title, but he is famous for his 9-darter and longevity in the sport.
Where is Paul Lim now?
He resides in San Bernardino, California, USA, and travels for tournaments. He maintains a Facebook page for updates.
What is Paul Lim’s nickname?
He is widely known as “The Singapore Slinger,” a nickname that reflects his nationality and his dart-throwing prowess.
Did Paul Lim beat Luke Humphries?
Yes, Paul Lim defeated Luke Humphries 3–2 in the first round of the 2021 PDC World Championship.
How old was Paul Lim when he threw the 9-darter?
Paul Lim was 36 years old when he threw the historic nine-darter at the 1990 BDO World Championship.
What is Paul Lim’s WDF ranking?
As of 2025, Paul Lim is ranked #414 in the World Darts Federation (WDF) men’s rankings.
What was Paul Lim’s job before darts?
Before turning professional, Paul Lim worked as a chef in the United States.
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