Full Breakdown
Luke Littler Dominates Paul Lim at Bahrain Darts Masters
1/16/2026, 3:49:16 AM
Match Overview
In a striking display of skill, 19-year-old world champion Luke Littler defeated 71-year-old Paul Lim 6-1 in the opening round of the Bahrain Darts Masters. This match marked Littler's first competitive appearance since successfully defending his title at the World Darts Championship on January 3, 2026. The contest was notable for being the largest age gap in a televised darts match, with 53 years separating the two competitors.
Performance Highlights
Littler showcased exceptional form, averaging over 106 and executing a remarkable 170 checkout, known as the 'Big Fish.' He followed this with a 121 finish, demonstrating his finishing prowess and solidifying his dominance in the match. Despite Lim's experience and status as a fan favorite, Littler quickly took control after both players exchanged holds in the early legs. He converted six of his eight attempts at double, ultimately sealing the victory with a 14-darter.
Upcoming Quarter-Final
Following his victory, Littler is set to face Gerwyn Price in the quarter-finals. Price, who was last year's runner-up in Bahrain, edged past Motomu Sakai with a 6-4 win. Littler expressed his eagerness for the upcoming match, acknowledging Price's previous success against him in last year's semi-finals.
Official Statements & Responses
Littler praised Lim's long-standing career, stating, "Paul's been performing well for many, many years. He's a class act and he's still going strong." He emphasized the importance of starting the season positively, saying, "This is the start of the new season for us, and you want to start the year off right, with a title."
Criticism & Opposition
While Littler's performance was lauded, some observers noted the disparity in age and experience between the two players. Lim, who made his BDO World Darts Championship debut in 1982, has had a storied career, including being the oldest player to win a match at the World Championship earlier this year. Critics argue that such age gaps in competition can overshadow the achievements of seasoned players like Lim.
Tournament Context
The Bahrain Darts Masters is the first event of the World Series of Darts season, and all eight PDC superstars advanced to the quarter-finals. Other notable performances included Luke Humphries, who achieved a 6-0 victory over Abdulla Saeed, and defending champion Stephen Bunting, who defeated Ryusei Azemoto 6-2. The quarter-finals are scheduled to take place on January 16, 2026.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He’s just class and I wonder when is he going to retire?” — Luke Littler on Paul Lim's enduring career.
- “It’s always good to be back in Bahrain. This is the start of the new season for us, and you want to start the year off right, with a title.” — Luke Littler.
As the tournament progresses, all eyes will be on Littler as he aims for his second Bahrain Darts Masters title and continues to assert his dominance in the sport.