World darts number one Luke Humphries has told people to lay off transgender player Noa-Lynn van Leuven and insisted she is not breaking any rules.
The 28-year-old, who transitioned in 2021, will become the first trans player to play in a televised PDC tournament against men when she competes in the Grand Slam of Darts. She kicks off her group phase against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen on Saturday.
It will be the first taste of the big time for the Dutchwoman, who still works as a part-time sous chef in her homeland. She has also qualified for the World Championship at Alexandra Palace in December based on her performances in the Women’s Series.
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Her results have come despite hostility from fellow players on the tour, who Van Leuven describes as “toxic b******” because of their behaviour towards her. Deta Hedman is one player who has refused to play against Van Leuven. But Humphries says she has done nothing wrong and is rooting for her.
“I don’t get too involved in the politics to be honest,” said Humphries, who kicks his campaign off against Rowby-John Rodriguez.
“It’s not up to me to say whether it is right or wrong. Whatever opinion I have, it wouldn’t matter. I just look at her as a dart player.
“She is in the competition. She has not broken any rules. She is doing what she is allowed to do.
“I can’t say that she is doing anything wrong. I don’t really know, it’s a hard one, because there are so many different opinions that get thrown around.
“It would be nice if people let her get on with it and play. But yeah, I wish her all the best. Hopefully she gets a win and it’s good for her. Of course I have sympathy for
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