VAN LEUVEN EYES WORLD CHAMP UPSET AGAINST WRIGHT

By Phil Lanning

NOA-LYNN van Leuven believes a shock victory over Peter Wright is “not impossible” at the Worlds.

The transgender Dutch star takes on Snakebite in one of the stand out round one ties at the Ally Pally when the Championship starts next month.

Van Leuven, 29, took a break from the sport for mental health reasons earlier this year but seems fired-up to down the two-times World Champion.

On her chances, she told Viaplay: “A thousand to one. Yeah, still a small chance.

“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.”

Van Leuven revealed that she’s been quietly preparing for the big occasion at the Ally Pally.

‘The Duchess’ added: “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.”

Van Leuven also revealed a slightly more unusual activity in the lead-up to the big stage in London.

On her prep, she added: “Not a whole lot different than normal. Just my standard training. And just a little ‘bouldering’ for relaxation.”

The Viaplay presenter asked: “What is bouldering?” And she answered: “Climbing without a rope.”.

The presenter laughed, but added: “Are you being careful? You have to go to Ally Pally later.”

Van Leuven continued: “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.”

Image by Taylor Lanning.