Transgender darts player gives retirement update and makes ‘weird’ admission after ban
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has admitted to questioning the future of a career in the sport after being excluded from WDF women’s competitions.
The Dutch star, known as ‘The Duchess’, faced uncertainty following a new regulation that bars transgender competitors from the women’s game.
However, Van Leuven has since found renewed determination and is now eligible to participate in open category events.
“It does motivate me to become a better player again,” the 29-year-old told Oche180.com.
“It is weird to not be able to play the women anymore in the WDF.”
Van Leuven added: “But I can within the PDC. In the end, I am playing in the Dutch tournaments now in the open ranking and I quite enjoy myself in those.”
The 29-year-old first became aware of the impending rule change back in July, when delegates voted on the matter during the Europe Cup in Slovakia.
Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has admitted to questioning the future of a career in the sport after being excluded from WDF women’s competitions
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PA
“I knew it was coming but I didn’t know when or how,” Van Leuven explained. “I didn’t even know when I was allowed to play anymore in the women’s [game].”
The period of limbo left Van Leuven contemplating what direction to take professionally.
“I was like, what am I going to do with my career now? Am I just going to stick to the PDC or am I going to try other things?” the darts player said.
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Once the official ruling was announced, Van Leuven found some relief in the clarity it provided.
“When the ruling came out, I was like, at least it was clear now. I actually want to give it a shot now to play in the open and maybe some WDF tournaments,” said the Dutch star.
Van Leuven competed at the World Championship in December, suffering a 3-0 first-round defeat to two-time world champion Peter Wright.
Prior to that Alexandra Palace appearance, Van Leuven had stepped away from darts due to mental health difficulties.
Despite facing horrendous abuse, Van Leuven remains committed to the sport.
“I just enjoy the game of darts too much. I keep coming back to it,” Van Leuven said. “I played in the youth and then I took a few years off regarding my transition as well.”
Noa-Lynn van Leuven enjoyed facing Peter Wright at Alexandra Palace
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PA
Van Leuven continued: “Now I just can’t stay away from the game. I have only won one game on the PDC stage so far, but hopefully I can keep on improving and bring my A-game.”
The Dutch player has set sights on earning a Tour Card next year, acknowledging that the past twelve months have been challenging with limited tournament participation.
Van Leuven has claimed six PDC Women’s Series titles across the previous two seasons, demonstrating considerable success on that circuit.
The Dutch competitor will also represent the Netherlands at the 4 Nations Cup, which gets underway in a fortnight.
Reflecting on the match against Wright at Ally Pally, Van Leuven spoke warmly of the experience.
“I actually enjoyed myself on that stage playing Peter. He was really kind on the stage and behind it,” Van Leuven said. “I think the crowd was amazing as well.”
