"Beau Greaves is a great player and a great human being" - Van Leuven backs Greaves to give Women's Series a World Darts Championship win at Ally Pally

For Noa-Lynn van Leuven, the 2026 World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace ended earlier than hoped. After her 3-0 defeat to Peter Wright, disappointment prevailed, yet her words also carried realism and resilience.

The Dutch darter, appearing on the sport’s biggest stage for the second year running, openly reflected afterward on a year that was difficult on the oche and on a performance in which she did not recognize herself.

“It just wasn’t my game,” Van Leuven admitted. “Last year I was way more focused. I was playing much better than I am right now. This just hasn’t been my year.” There were no excuses in her words, but there was context. Her night at Ally Pally did not stand alone, but followed a season in which she played little competitive darts.

“I only played six Women’s Series and a few other tournaments and that's it,” she explained. “So I'm happy to be at the Ally Pally, but I'm not really happy with the way I performed. I could have been much better, but it is what it is."

Van Leuven went into the match with a good feeling. That made the disappointment even greater. “I actually felt pretty good beforehand. I had the idea I could play much better than what I ended up showing.”

Even so, despite the immediate disappointment, she tried to look ahead. Performing at Alexandra Palace remains a special experience. “It's my second time and I'll be here again next year, hopefully."

Last year, Van Leuven was fully in the spotlight. Her Worlds appearance came with a lot of media attention, not always positive. This year was different. She arrived calmer, less burdened by distractions. “It was actually really nice to just be myself here,” she said. “Just walk onto the stage and play darts. Because that’s all we want right?”

The fact that her season was weaker on the sporting side doesn’t mean it felt entirely negative. When asked what got her through a difficult year, she didn’t have to think long. “Reaching Ally Pally again was amazing. Just to be here, the feeling is great. I just wish I had played a little better."

As a Women’s Series qualifier, Van Leuven was also asked about her peers. In particular Beau Greaves, who entered the tournament with big expectations, was mentioned. Van Leuven was full of praise. “I hope she really does well in this tournament. She's a great player and a great human being."

The presence of multiple women on the Worlds stage shows that women’s darts is developing, even if the gap to the men’s elite remains large. Van Leuven recognizes that reality, but also believes in growth through experience. “These kinds of matches help. You learn so much here, even when it doesn’t click.”

For Van Leuven, being at the Worlds means more than sport alone. She is a visible role model, especially for the LGBTQ community and in particular for trans people. She carries that awareness with her, without letting it define her entire identity.

Asked if she had a message for people who draw strength and courage from her participation, she stayed true to herself. “Like I always say: just be yourself. Do what you like to do and love the game.” No grand statements, no slogans, but a simple message that fits her personality.