Noa-Lynn van Leuven will become the first trans woman ever at the Women's World Matchplay on Sunday. In the opening round, the Dutchwoman will take on Beau Greaves.
Making that bit of history as the first trans player on a big darting stage, van Leuven praised the PDC and the darting authorities for their understanding, as opposed to other sports where trans athletes have been banned. "I think it's tough for transgender people to play sports, especially when people know that you're trans because you have a big advantage until you prove it's not," she tells Sky Sports.
Facing the number one seed and utterly dominant Greaves in the first round though, is a tricky challenge to overcome. "I couldn't have got a worse draw but I know I can beat her," Van Leuven says confidently. "I have done it before, but I always give her a good game and I play a nice level against her. I just want to give her a good game so may the best woman win."
"It's on TV so there's a lot of pressure on me but there's a lot of pressure on Beau as well. A lot of people are expecting her to win the tournament so that might play into my hands," she continues. "I've got nothing to lose. I'm not afraid of anyone. I have just got to bring my A-game to the stage and see where it ends."
Fallon Sherrock will begin her defence of next month's Betfred Women’s World Matchplay with a blockbuster showdown against Lisa Ashton! Beau Greaves will make her Blackpool bow as the top seed, after the eight-player line-up was confirmed on Sunday... 👉 bit.ly/2023WWMField
