Luke Humphries displayed complete control over 71-year-old darts legend Paul Lim as the 2024 PDC World Champion advanced comfortably to the third round of the PDC World Championship at Alexandra Palace.

Humphries, ranked world number two, was in unstoppable form during the opening two sets, winning the first eight legs consecutively. The only highlight for Lim came when he delighted the crowd with a double top finish, securing his sole leg of the match.

Prior to the game, Humphries described Lim as a “legend” and reflected on how a 2020 World Championship defeat to the Singaporean veteran marked a turning point in his own career. Their mutual respect was evident, with both players sharing warm handshakes after Lim’s successful leg and again after Humphries sealed a dominant victory. Humphries expressed gratitude that Lim was able to claim a leg, saying:

“Against someone you really like and you’re 6-0 up in legs, it’s hard because you don’t want to destroy people all the time. There are players you want to, and players you don’t. He’s one I don’t. It was a game I had to win, and I put myself in a good position after the first two sets. He is just a legend, I love him to bits, and I hope that’s not the last time we see him on this stage.”

Paul Lim: Still Making History at 71

Despite the defeat, Lim has already secured his place in history as the oldest player to win a match at the PDC World Championship after progressing to round two. Lim’s popularity with the crowd remained undiminished, with a 180 scored at the start of the match signaling his undying competitive spirit.

Other Notable Round Two Results

Monday’s second-round matches also witnessed several seeded players advancing. European Championship winner and reigning World Youth champion Gian van Veen showcased his title credentials with a commanding 3-1 victory over Scotland’s Alan Soutar. Averaging an impressive 108.28 across the match, the 23-year-old Dutch star overcame a potential 2-0 deficit to dominate the remaining legs. Van Veen will face Latvia’s Madars Razma in round three, after Razma defeated Darren Beveridge 3-1.

In a thrilling afternoon session, Ricky Evans shocked seventh seed James Wade in a classic 3-2 encounter. Evans, who entered to a festive Christmas-themed entrance, described the match:

“Imagine coming to the darts and winning 3-0 – what’s the point? Make it interesting.”

Evans will next meet highly-rated 20-year-old Charlie Manby, who beat American Adam Sevada in straight sets.

Dutch 31st seed Wessel Nijman was eliminated in a straight-sets defeat to Gabriel Clemens, while Kenyan debutant David Munyua fell 3-0 to world number 40 Kevin Doets, who will now face Nathan Aspinall in the third round.

Key Round Two Results:

• Darren Beveridge 1-3 Madars Razma
• Wessel Nijman 0-3 Gabriel Clemens
• David Munyua 0-3 Kevin Doets
• James Wade 2-3 Ricky Evans
• Gian van Veen 3-1 Alan Soutar
• Nathan Aspinall 3-0 Leonard Gates
• Luke Humphries 3-0 Paul Lim
• Charlie Manby 3-0 Adam Sevada

Looking Ahead: Tuesday’s Round Three Matches

• 12:30 GMT: Jonny Tata vs Ryan Meikle, Daryl Gurney vs Callan Rydz, Jermaine Wattimena vs Scott Williams, Peter Wright vs Arno Merk
• 19:00 GMT: Danny Noppert vs Justin Hood, Gary Anderson vs Connor Scutt, Michael van Gerwen vs William O’Connor, Josh Rock vs Joe Comito

Luke Humphries’ performance confirms him as one of the top contenders for this year’s championship, while Paul Lim’s continued appearances highlight his enduring legacy in the sport of darts. Fans can look forward to a thrilling round three as the PDC World Championship intensifies.