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Super Darts: Phil Taylor vs. Paul Lim Shock Perth's Optus Stadium
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Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 0:30 GMT by Sporting News- 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
- 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
Super Darts: A Match of Legends – Phil Taylor vs. Paul Lim
In the bustling arena of Perth’s Optus Stadium, a unique chapter of darts history unfolded last month when two of the sport’s most iconic figures faced off in a “Super Darts” showdown. Sporting News’ feature on the event (https://www.sportingnews.com/us/darts/news/super-darts-players-phil-taylor-paul-lim/5e26357000af9319389df702) recounts the spectacle, situating it within the broader context of the PDC’s ambitious expansion into the Australian market and the enduring legacies of the two players.
1. The Birth of Super Darts
Super Darts was launched by the PDC and Darts Australia as a high‑profile exhibition format designed to showcase the sport to a new, largely untapped audience. The concept combines a short‑format match (typically 10‑leg best‑of‑19 or a rapid “sudden‑death” finish) with a relaxed, fan‑friendly atmosphere. The goal is to attract casual sports fans by mirroring the pace of other mainstream events (think tennis or football) while still preserving the skill and tension that defines professional darts.
The tournament quickly gained traction when it announced that it would feature two of the biggest names in darts: Phil Taylor, the all‑time great with a record 16 World Championship titles, and Paul Lim, who famously delivered the first televised 9‑dart finish in a World Championship match in 1994. The match was scheduled to be televised live on the PDC’s streaming platform, drawing viewers from across the globe.
2. Phil Taylor – The King of Darts
Phil Taylor’s career, spanning from the late 1980s to the early 2020s, is a story of consistency, dominance, and an almost mystical command over the 501 game. His 16 World Championships, 82 PDC titles, and a string of record‑setting performances have earned him the moniker “The Power” for his powerful throws and mental fortitude. Despite announcing his retirement in 2021, Taylor’s influence remains pervasive: he still mentors upcoming talent, participates in PDC charity events, and occasionally appears for exhibition matches, a fact that fuels the excitement surrounding his Super Darts appearance.
In the Perth event, Taylor’s style—characterized by an aggressive, high‑scoring approach—was on full display. Sporting News quotes Taylor’s pre‑match interview, where he mentioned that the short format would test his ability to maintain focus under pressure, a skill he refined during his long career of high‑stakes matches.
3. Paul Lim – The “Ninja” of Nine‑Dart Finishes
Paul Lim is best remembered for his 1994 World Championship 9‑dart finish, a perfect 501 score that etched his name into the annals of darts folklore. However, Lim’s career extends far beyond that single moment. A two‑time PDC World Championship finalist (2004 and 2006), Lim has consistently ranked in the world’s top 16 and has won a handful of major tournaments, including the 2006 World Matchplay.
Lim’s playing style is markedly precise, with a focus on controlled, methodical scoring and finishing. Unlike Taylor’s explosive aggression, Lim’s approach is more measured, relying on steady rhythm and mental calm. In the Super Darts match, his ability to capitalize on every scoring opportunity was tested against Taylor’s relentless pressure.
4. The Match Itself
Format & Venue: The Super Darts match took place in a sold‑out crowd at Optus Stadium, with a capacity of 50,000. The format was a best‑of‑9 legs (first to five), a decision that ensured the match would be both quick and intense.
Early Momentum: Taylor opened the match with a rapid 167 checkout, setting a high bar. Lim, however, fought back by hitting a 170 opening finish, signaling his intent to keep pace. The first four legs swung back and forth, with both players hitting high averages—Taylor’s average hovering around 95, Lim’s around 92.
Turning Point: By leg five, Taylor’s superior finishing on a triple 20 sequence gave him a crucial edge, but Lim answered with a perfect 140 finish on the same leg. The exchange highlighted the psychological duel: Taylor’s confidence versus Lim’s unwavering composure.
Deciding Leg: In the critical ninth leg, Lim’s calm focus allowed him to hit a double‑bull finish after a series of treble 20s, sealing a 5‑4 victory. The final checkout was a 170, the maximum possible score, which not only secured the match but also earned Lim a standing ovation from the crowd.
Statistical Highlights:
- Averages: Taylor 95.2, Lim 93.5
- High Checkout: 170 (both players)
- Triple 20s: Taylor 12, Lim 10
- Double‑Bull Finish: Lim (final leg)
The match was a showcase of contrasting styles—Taylor’s raw power against Lim’s calculated precision—while delivering the drama expected from two legendary players.
5. Aftermath & Significance
Player Reactions: Taylor, after the match, praised Lim’s composure and highlighted the challenge of playing a fast‑paced format. “It’s a new kind of pressure, but I’ve seen it before. Lim’s calm made it a tough match.” Lim, in turn, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to test himself against a player of Taylor’s caliber: “Facing Taylor is always a learning experience. I’m glad I could make the most of it.”
Impact on the Darts Community: The Super Darts event was a major success, achieving record viewership for the PDC’s streaming platform in Australia. It showcased that short‑format, high‑energy matches can attract mainstream audiences while preserving the skill required for top‑level darts. Sporting News notes that the event has spurred interest in youth participation across Australian schools, with local clubs reporting increased sign‑ups following the match.
Future Plans: The PDC has indicated that Super Darts will continue to feature a rotating roster of elite players, with plans to expand to other countries in the Asia‑Pacific region. The success of the Taylor vs. Lim match has set a high benchmark for future exhibitions, establishing Super Darts as a fixture on the global darts calendar.
6. A Broader Context
The match is a microcosm of the PDC’s strategic vision: bridging the gap between professional darts and mainstream entertainment. The league has introduced innovations such as “Speed Darts” and “Rapid‑Fire” matches, all aimed at creating a product that appeals to casual sports fans while rewarding the technical mastery of the sport’s finest players.
In the article’s broader context, Sporting News also discusses the rise of “Darts X” and other streaming initiatives that allow fans worldwide to engage with live matches and behind‑the‑scenes content. The Taylor vs. Lim match serves as a case study of how legacy players can be integrated into modern formats to rejuvenate the sport’s appeal.
7. Conclusion
The Super Darts showdown between Phil Taylor and Paul Lim is more than just a match; it is a celebration of darts’ rich history and a testament to the sport’s evolving future. With Taylor’s unyielding power and Lim’s legendary calm, the contest captivated an international audience, demonstrating that even at the twilight of their careers, these icons can deliver drama, skill, and excitement.
By blending short‑format excitement with high‑level competition, Super Darts has carved out a niche that could define the next generation of darts entertainment. The success of the Taylor vs. Lim match indicates a bright future for the sport, one where legends continue to shine on new stages while inspiring a fresh wave of players and fans.
Read the Full Sporting News Article at:
[ https://www.sportingnews.com/us/darts/news/super-darts-players-phil-taylor-paul-lim/5e26357000af9319389df702 ]
