‘New chapter loading’ – Noa Lynn van Leuven reveals darts comeback weeks after being controversially banned

NOA-LYNN VAN LEUVEN has hinted at a “new chapter” in her darts journey after effectively being sidelined by regulations surrounding tr*nsg*nder players.

The Dutch thrower was left heartbroken when the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) confirmed that tr*nsg*nder women would no longer be allowed to compete in women’s events.

Van Leuven revealed she received the decision via email and did not hide her frustration, admitting it was crushing after “working so damn hard for years.”

She previously said the ruling “basically means I’m out,” but has now offered fans a fresh update on her future in the sport.

Taking to Instagram, she wrote: “Yep, it’s been a little quiet over here… life said ‘plot twist’ and I needed a minute to catch up. But I’m back. Did you miss me?

“I’m still processing the decision made by the DRA and the PDC. It hasn’t been easy, and it still hurts. But deep down I know I’m not ready to walk away from this game.

“That moment also meant my schedule suddenly opened up, and I’ve been using that time to explore WDF events and new opportunities within darts… and let’s just say, there are some exciting things ahead.

“New chapter loading… and trust me, you’ll want to see what’s next.”

Despite the restriction, there are still avenues available to her on the PDC circuit as she weighs up her next steps.

Van Leuven remains eligible to compete in open-category events, where both men and women can take part.

Known as “The Duchess,” she made history in 2024 as the first Dutch transgender woman to compete at the World Championship.

She also appeared at Alexandra Palace last December, but her campaign ended in the opening round following a 3-0 defeat to Peter Wright.

The 29-year-old has admitted the ruling initially left her questioning her future in the sport.

However, after taking time to reflect, she says it has given her a renewed outlook.

Speaking to Oche180 last month, she said: “It does motivate me to become a better player again. It is weird to not be able to play the women anymore in the WDF.

“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.

“I knew it was coming but I didn’t know when or how. I didn’t even know when I was allowed to play anymore in the women’s game.

“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?

“I actually want to give it a shot now to play in the open and maybe some WDF tournaments.”

Van Leuven has also faced significant abuse on social media, but insists her passion for darts will not be shaken.

She remains determined to push forward and is targeting a place on the professional circuit.

She added: “I just enjoy the game of darts too much. I keep coming back to it. I played in the youth and then I took a few years off regarding my transition as well.

“This year I want to keep improving and I see my game improving again. Hopefully I can actually aim for a Tour Card next year.”