Luke Humphries fumes ‘she’s not doing something unlawful’ forward of conflict with trans star
Luke Humphries has slammed criticism of Noa-Lynn van Leuven ahead of the Mr Vegas Grand Slam of Darts.
As Van Leuven takes a step forward for transgender athletes in major darts competitions, she’s set to square off against the mighty Michael van Gerwen in Wolverhampton, in a group that’s also brimming with talent like Gary Anderson and Ryan Joyce.
The Dutch trailblazer is not someone to underestimate at this high-stakes tournament, where there’s a hefty £150,000 prize pot up for grabs.
World No. 1 Humphries, who kicks off his title defence against Austria’s World Cup runner-up Rowby-John Rodriguez, speaks of Van Leuven’s upcoming challenge with respect.
“I think she will enjoy – that group is a great challenge for her. She will enjoy the chance to play two of the greatest players that have ever been, Michael and Gary,” Humphries added.
(Image: Ben Roberts Photo/Getty Images)
“I don’t know Noa-Lynn very well, to be honest – I’ve only met her once before at the Women’s World Matchplay, on the day I was in the final. But she has been doing great, playing well, so I wish her all the best.”
The event also recalls the time when Deta Hedman made waves as the first woman to triumph over a man on TV.
However, Hedman raised eyebrows again half a year ago, opting out of the Denmark Open quarter-final against Van Leuven, candidly stating her discomfort with “transgenders playing in women’s world-ranked events”, reports the Mirror.
(Image: Getty Images)
Humphries continued: “I don’t get too involved in the politics – 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 darts player.
“She is in the competition on merit, she has not broken any rules, she is doing what she is allowed to do. 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 I wish her all the best – hopefully she gets a win and it’s good for her. This is the best time of year for me. I cannot believe it has come round so quickly already.”
