Trans player knocked out of World Darts Championship first round after threatening huge upset
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Noa-Lynn van Leuven has been knocked out of the PDC World Darts Championship after losing 3-1 to Kevin Doets.
The 28-year-old made history this week as she became the first transgender player to compete at the major tournament.
She qualified after finishing in the top two spots of the PDC Women Series and faced a tricky opening test against her compatriot.
Doets, who made his World Championship debut last year, has risen to 54th in the Order of Merit after an impressive breakout campaign this year.
Noa-Lynn van Leuven won the first set
PA
But all eyes were on Van Leuven on the Alexandra Palace stage and she rose to the occasion in the opening set.
She hit a match-high checkout of 120 to take control of the first set and took advantage of some sloppy play from Doets on his doubles to take a 1-0 lead.
Van Leuven followed that up with another 120 checkout to draw level in the second set.
But both players were struggling in a disastrous leg of darts straight after with Doets eventually hitting the double one after 33 darts.
That appeared to knock Van Leuven's confidence with Doets wrapping up the second set to draw the match level.
Sensing frustration from his opponent, Doets took control of the match in the third set with Van Leuven too wayward at times with her scoring.
She was made to pay with a few missed opportunities with Doets wrapping up the third after hitting double 10.
Van Leuven managed to get back on track in the fourth set as she battled to stay in the match and outscored her opponent with more 100-plus visits.
She was also outperforming her younger opponent in the 180 column, but Doets hit a maximum when it mattered most as he was throwing for the match.
Kevin Doets came back from a set down
PA
Van Leuven was unable to respond with Doets securing his spot in the next round with a double 10.
Speaking after the match, Doets said: "Tough. Especially at the beginning, she played better than I did. It was really hard.
"Every World Championships there is a leg like that, I was unfortunate to have it today.
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Kevin Doets is playing in his second PDC World Championships
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"I was just fighting, fighting, fighting.
"The crowd were amazing though. They didn't boo anyone. they didn't boo me, they were great.
"It feels like the Gods wanted to give me another chance (against Michael Smith).
"I need to do the same as last year but not miss any chances."
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