Noa-Lynn van Leuven made history as the first trans woman to compete at the PDC World Darts Championship, stepping onto the stage at Alexandra Palace with determination and composure. Despite facing a challenging atmosphere and the weight of public scrutiny, she delivered a performance that demonstrated her talent and resilience. Her first-round match against Kevin Doets ended in a 3-1 defeat, but the significance of her participation went far beyond the result.
The match began with promise for van Leuven, who started strongly and even came close to a nine-dart finish, narrowly missing the seventh dart. The crowd responded with a mix of jeers and cheers, a typical reaction for such moments in darts, but van Leuven maintained her focus. She took the first set, showcasing her skill and potential, but a pivotal moment came in the second set when Doets won a lengthy leg marked by missed doubles from both players. From there, Doets gained momentum, ultimately securing victory and advancing to face Michael Smith in the next round.
Van Leuven’s journey to this point has been anything but easy. She has faced daily death threats and relentless online abuse, with the Professional Darts Corporation having to disable comments on social media posts about her. Yet, she has developed a remarkable ability to block out the negativity and focus on her love for the game. “I just want to play darts,” she said after the match. “Anyone who’s being terrible about me, it says more about them.”
This year has been a breakthrough for van Leuven. She has achieved significant milestones, including victories against male players on the Challenge Tour and multiple wins in the Women’s Series. Her debut at the Grand Slam of Darts further cemented her status as a rising star in the sport. Now, her sights are set on Q-School, where she hopes to earn her first professional tour card.
The crowd at Alexandra Palace, initially uncertain, warmed to van Leuven as the match progressed. Their cheers echoed through the venue, celebrating her 180s and encouraging her as she left the stage. Even her opponent, Kevin Doets, noted the positive reception, expressing his appreciation for the crowd’s support. Within the darts community, van Leuven has found allies in prominent players who have stood by her, reinforcing the sport’s reputation for inclusivity and acceptance. Darts has long been a space where skill and passion take precedence over background or identity, and van Leuven’s journey exemplifies this ethos.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Fallon Sherrock, another trailblazer in darts, faced Ryan Meikle in a closely contested match. Sherrock, who famously reached the last 32 on her debut at Alexandra Palace five years ago, was narrowly defeated 3-2. While she displayed flashes of brilliance, the game was scrappy, and Meikle advanced to face Luke Littler in the second round. Sherrock’s career has been marked by historic achievements, but consistency has eluded her in recent years.
The evening also brought a major upset as World Grand Prix champion Mike De Decker was eliminated by Luke Woodhouse. De Decker, who has been in exceptional form this autumn, struggled to find his rhythm under the bright lights. Woodhouse, a reliable player at Pro Tour level, capitalized on the opportunity, delivering a strong performance to secure his place in the next round.
In the final match of the night, Peter Wright overcame a tough challenge from Wesley Plaisier to progress to the third round. Plaisier had numerous opportunities to take control of the match but failed to capitalize, missing 20 darts at doubles throughout the game. Wright’s experience and composure ultimately saw him through, setting up a clash with the in-form Jermaine Wattimena. Notably, Wright’s last tournament victory in 2020 came after surviving a similar early scare, raising hopes for another deep run this year.
As the tournament continues, stories of triumph, resilience, and unexpected outcomes unfold. For van Leuven, her debut marks the beginning of a new chapter in her career, one defined by courage and determination. Her journey serves as an inspiration, not just within darts but beyond, reminding everyone that the magic of sport lies in its ability to unite, challenge, and celebrate the human spirit.
