Noa-Lynn van Leuven sees chances despite tough draw against Peter Wright at PDC World Darts Championship: "It will be tough, but certainly not impossible"

Noa-Lynn van Leuven has not drawn the easiest opponent in the first round of the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship. The Dutch will meet seasoned two-time world champion 'Snakebite' Peter Wright in her first match of the tournament. In a brief interview with Viaplay, Van Leuven reacted to the draw in a down-to-earth but at the same time combative way. Although Wright is a big name in the sport, he has not been in the greatest form in recent months. This presents opportunities for the Dutch dart star.

"A thousand to one," the conversation opened referring to the odds. "Yeah, still a small chance," Van Leuven laughed. "But no, that will obviously be a tough pot. But not impossible. It's still the World Championship, and Peter Wright is of course almost always in form on that stage. But I'm very much looking forward to it."

She was then asked why we have seen Van Leuven's name less among the results in recent months. She explained that her preparation has mostly taken place behind the scenes. "I've definitely been busy for a while. I've been working towards the World Championship all year through the Women's Series. The final touches now, and off we go."

Leading up to the World Championship, therefore, she will make few changes to her routine. "Not a whole lot different than normal," she said. "Just my standard training. And just a little 'bouldering' for relaxation."

"What is bouldering?" the interviewer asked, puzzled. "Climbing without a rope," Van Leuven said. The presenter laughed, but did warn her, "Are you being careful? You have to go to Ally Pally later," Van Leuven reassured him immediately, however. "It's at a slightly lower level now. But I have such a nice group at bouldering, it's really relaxing for me. And that helps me again in darts," she concluded.