HUMPHRIES: LIM LOSS CHANGED MY LIFE

LUKE HUMPHRIES has revealed how a shock defeat to Paul Lim became the wake-up call that sparked a dramatic FOUR-stone weight loss. 

‘Cool Hand’ cruised through his opening clash with Ted Evetts at the World Championship to set up a meeting with the 71-year-old legend on the Ally Pally stage. 

World No2 Luke Humphries is eager to ensure history does not repeat itself after being stunned by the Singaporean icon at the opening hurdle back in 2021. 

But Humphries insists payback is not driving him this time and admits he actually owes the crowd favourite a debt of gratitude. 

He said: “He’s a warrior. He’s someone that has loved darts and played darts for many, many years. For him to still be a part of it and still play, and he loves travelling. It’s amazing.

“There’s no revenge in darts. If anything, I’m thankful to Paul for beating me back then because it completely changed me as a player and as a person. 

“About three months later, I lost nearly four stone, so in a strange way it helped transform my career. 

“I obviously lost the weight because I knew that the two sets I was up, I started to get a little bit jaded, a little bit tired and it cost me.  

“I was really, really disheartened from the fact that I probably was feeling that I wasn’t good enough anymore. 

“Let’s give up. That’s what a typical young lad would do. Let’s give up. I’m not good enough. But I didn’t.  

“I felt like I could have made changes and I’m glad I did because if it didn’t work out, then so be it.  

“At least I did everything I could to be the best version of myself. That was a blessing in disguise for myself. 

“I’m a big fan of Paul and he’s a big fan of me too — but when we step on stage, it’s business. 

“He’s a warrior. He loves darts, loves travelling and just loves playing the game. 

“I honestly don’t think we’ll ever see another over-70-year-old doing what Paul Lim is doing. It’s incredible.” 

The Cheshire ace has gone from strength to strength since, landing eight major titles and establishing himself as one of the dominant forces on the circuit alongside Luke Littler.

Image by Taylor Lanning.