World No 1 Luke Humphries has backed transgender player Noa-Lynn van Leuven as she gets set to make history at the Grand Slam of Darts this weekend.
Van Leuven will become the first trans player to play in a televised PDC tournament against men when she kicks off her group phase against three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen on Saturday, live on Sky Sports.
The 28-year-old has also qualified for the World Championship at Alexandra Palace in December based on her performances in the PDC’s Women’s Series, which she is fully eligible to participate in under Darts Regulation Authority rules.
However, she has received hostility when she has played on the rival World Darts Federation tour, with Deta Hedman withdrawing from matches against her in protest at her inclusion.
Van Leuven has described some of her female opponents as “toxic b******” because of their behaviour towards her, 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 begins his Grand Slam of Darts campaign 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 her because she is a human and no one likes being abused online. But she gets it a lot.