Noa-Lynn van Leuven has made history by becoming the first transgender player to win a Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) Women's Series event. The Dutch star claimed victory in Event Five of the series, defeating Ireland's Katie Sheldon 5-3 in a thrilling final.
The 27-year-old's breakthrough win has ignited discussions about inclusivity in darts, with van Leuven stating: "I hope this shows that darts is a sport for everyone." However, the achievement has also drawn criticism from some quarters questioning fairness in women's sports.
Road to Victory
Van Leuven's path to the title included impressive wins against established players:
- A 4-1 quarter-final victory over Vicky Pruim
- A hard-fought 4-3 semi-final win against Lorraine Winstanley
- The 5-3 final triumph against Sheldon
The PDC has confirmed van Leuven meets all eligibility requirements, having transitioned before beginning her professional darts career.
Mixed Reactions
While many in the darts community have celebrated van Leuven's achievement, including former world champion Fallon Sherrock who called it "a great moment for the sport", others have voiced concerns. Some players and fans argue that transgender women may retain physical advantages in precision sports like darts.
The debate mirrors similar discussions in other sports, with governing bodies worldwide grappling with inclusion policies. The PDC currently follows International Olympic Committee guidelines on transgender participation.
Van Leuven's victory moves her into contention for September's Women's World Matchplay in Blackpool, potentially setting the stage for more groundbreaking performances.
