Singapore’s 2026 World Cup of Darts campaign has come to an abrupt end. Despite a 4-2 victory over Gibraltar, their chances of progressing out of the group phase are all but over. Veteran Paul Lim, 72, led the team alongside young partner Phuay Wei Tan, producing some magic throughout the match – most notably a 96 checkout in two darts that saw Singapore break the throw and take a 3-2 lead. Wei Tan, who was not at his absolute best compared to the match against the Republic of Ireland, found the finishing dart to secure Singapore’s first and only win in Frankfurt.
Though they would not progress, Lim was proud to represent his country. “All I can say is that every match we play representing our country, it’s important that you put your heart and effort into it,” he said in the press conference. “Even though we knew our chances of progressing were very low, I still believe you’ve just got to play your best. That’s all.” Wei Tan added with a smile: “Of course I enjoyed it. I really did. Look who’s my partner, right?” Lim continued: “I want to be an example. Like I’ve said before, it’s been a long journey for me. That journey might come to an end one day, but while I’m still in it, I’ll continue to give it my very best.”
At 72, there is no sign Lim will quit anytime soon. He loves playing and is still a regular on the big stage, having competed in the PDC World Darts Championship last year. “I really don’t know. I can’t answer that because health is the most important thing,” he said. “My desire and commitment are still there, but sooner or later it’s going to stop. I just don’t know when. Like I said last year, if I ever wake up one morning and think, ‘Do I really have to go to Frankfurt again to play?’, then that’s when the trouble starts. Right now, I’m still excited.”
Lim feels he is inspiring a new crop of young darters from Asia. “I want to. I believe I am. The lifespan of a darts player is different from that of a basketball player. Even golfers can still compete at 65 on the senior tour. In darts, it’s really about how much you want it. I hope I’m living proof that there is longevity in this game.” He offered words of wisdom to stars like Luke Littler and Luke Humphries: “To be great, you have to be great among all players. I think it’s about encouragement. If they can encourage the younger generation and pass on some wisdom, that would be important. They’re natural talents. They’re world champions. But I think it’s important for them to get involved in promoting the game and helping younger players.”
Lim also pleaded for darts to be considered an Olympic sport. “A lot of people feel that way, but honestly, I believe darts deserves to be recognised alongside other sports. In events like the Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games, we’ve seen activities such as bridge included. I believe darts deserves recognition just as much. I hope that one day darts progresses from the SEA Games to the Asian Games and eventually the Olympics. It really is a sport. People don’t realise how difficult it is. I would love to be part of the era where I could carry the Singapore flag into an Olympic arena representing my country. That’s probably my last dream.”
