HEDMAN REFUSES TO FACE VAN LEUVEN IN WOMEN’S SERIES
18/10/2025 By Aaron Nijjar
DETA HEDMAN pulled out of a PDC Women’s Series event after being drawn against transgender player Noa-Lynn van Leuven.
‘The Heart of Darts’ was due to face Van Leuven in the quarter-finals of Women’s Series Event 22 on Saturday but chose to withdraw before the match began.
Hedman has long been one of the most outspoken critics of allowing transgender players to compete in women’s tournaments.
The 65-year-old also pulled out of the Denmark Open after being scheduled to face the same opponent earlier this year.
Witham thrower Hedman was one of the leading voices pushing for a ban on transgender participation in the World Darts Federation (WDF).
That campaign eventually led to the WDF introducing a rule earlier this year preventing trans women from competing in female events.
However, the PDC continues to allow Van Leuven to play on the Women’s Series, stating that the Dutch player meets all eligibility requirements set by the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA).
The DRA has yet to comment on whether any disciplinary action will be taken against Hedman following her latest withdrawal.
Hedman’s trophy cabinet includes 12 WDF World Cups and seven WDF majors from a career spanning over 50 years.
