VAN LEUVEN WILL AIM TO RETURN FOR WOMEN’S SERIES

By Aaron Nijjar

NOA-LYNN VAN LEUVEN has revealed she intends to return to darts for the Women’s Series. 

‘The Duchess’ took a break from the sport to focus on her mental health after an early elimination at Q-School earlier this month, which led her to miss the first five events of the Challenge Tour season.  

The 28-year-old created history last month by becoming the first transgender player to compete at the World Darts Championship, losing in the first round to Kevin Doets.  

She is now aiming to make her comeback in time for the Women’s Series in March.  

Van Leuven told AD: “After Q-School, I decided to focus on my mental health in the coming time.  

“The past year has been tough and intense, and I notice that I need to recharge now. But to make it clear: I’m not stopping darts. This is a conscious step back to come back stronger than ever. 

“But I’m working on being fit for the rest of the season. My next tournament is the Women’s Series, where my focus is mainly on finding the fun in the game again.”  

Women’s World number 33 Van Leuven failed to secure a Tour Card at Q-School.  

She added: “Unfortunately, I didn’t play my best matches. The truth is that my head hasn’t been in the right place for a while. I’ve been struggling for months with my mental health every time a tournament comes up. 

“I tried to push it aside, but it didn’t work this time. Focusing on darts while old traumas are rearing their heads due to the events of last year is not working. It’s time to prioritize my mental health and work on getting better.”  

Van Leuven is a two-time women’s World Matchplay quarter-finalist and has also qualified for the Grand Slam of Darts in 2024 via the Women’s series. 

Images by Taylor Lanning.