Darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven reveals ‘kind’ words from Peter Wright after she considered quitting

Noa-Lynn van Leuven admitted she feared her darts career might be over after a controversial rule change left her uncertain about her future in the sport.

A new regulation introduced by the World Darts Federation bans transgender players from competing in the women’s category, a decision that initially left the Dutch star unsure about her path forward.

However, “The Duchess” remains eligible to compete in open competitions and says the situation has ultimately motivated her to become a stronger player.

Van Leuven has since pushed through the uncertainty and has been selected to represent the Netherlands at the upcoming 4 Nations Cup, which begins in a couple of weeks. Before that, she will compete in the PDC Women’s Series.

Speaking about the situation, Van Leuven said the rule change was strange to process but has helped reignite her competitive drive.

She explained that she first learned about the proposed regulation in July when it was voted on during the WDF Europe Cup. While she knew a change was coming, she did not know when it would be implemented or what it would mean for her eligibility.

At the time, she said she felt stuck between categories, unsure whether she should focus entirely on tournaments organised by the Professional Darts Corporation or explore other competitions.

Eventually, when the ruling was confirmed, Van Leuven decided to embrace the challenge of playing more regularly in open events and potentially competing in selected WDF tournaments outside the women’s category.

The 29-year-old also appeared at the recent PDC World Darts Championship, where she faced two-time world champion Peter Wright in the first round at Alexandra Palace. Wright won the match 3-0.

Ahead of that appearance, Van Leuven had taken a break from the sport due to struggles with her mental health, something she openly acknowledged.

Despite also being subjected to heavy abuse on social media, she insists her love for darts keeps pulling her back to the oche.

Van Leuven said she has always enjoyed the sport and stepped away for several years during her gender transition before eventually returning. Now she hopes to keep improving and eventually secure a coveted PDC Tour Card.

She admitted the past year has been difficult, with limited tournaments and match opportunities, but believes her form is beginning to improve again.

Reflecting on her World Championship match, she also praised Wright for his support, describing him as kind both on stage and behind the scenes, while also highlighting the positive reception from the crowd.

Van Leuven has enjoyed significant success on the Women’s Series in recent seasons, winning six titles across the last two years.

However, she joked that fellow star Beau Greaves has been almost impossible to stop on the circuit, with the English sensation currently on an incredible unbeaten run.

Still, Van Leuven says she relishes their matchups, explaining that facing Greaves always brings out the best in her game — even if the results don’t always go her way. 🎯