"I don't know what to expect from the crowd" - Noa-Lynn van Leuven admits uncertainty ahead of Ally Pally debut

After her history making debut at a PDC ranking major at the recent Grand Slam of Darts, Noa-Lynn van Leuven is set to return to the big stage this December for the World Darts Championship. As has been well documented though, the appearance of the trans darter has not been without criticism from some.

Even during the Grand Slam of Darts, the welcome wasn't the warmest for Van Leuven. During her opening match against Michael van Gerwen, the crowd noise was muted on TV and once again, all posts to social media involving the 28-year-old were done so with the comments section closed to avoid potential abuse.

"Being one of the players that is actually in the spotlight and not in a really good way, I think it's been okay," Van Leuven assesses in a recent interview with Sky Sports News. "I'm pretty strong. It's rough going out on that stage but I do like it. I don't know what to expect from the crowd."

Despite notable opposition from some figures in women's darts such as Deta Hedman and Aileen De Graaf, Van Leuven is allowed to compete on the PDC Women's Series without issue and it is via that circuit the Dutch darter managed to qualify for the recent Grand Slam of Darts and the upcoming World Darts Championship. Throughout all the negative comments and controversy sparked however, Van Leuven has maintained a positive outlook, insisting she just wants to do what she loves, play darts.

"It's like every time something negative happens, I always come out really good. I win a tournament or I just show great games after moments like that," she explains. "I get so much support and so many people sending me text messages like: 'You're doing so well, keep going, just be you'."

"It's a nice moment to show myself, show my pride," Van Leuven concludes. "Maybe I can help some people by just showing myself!"