Latest news with #DARTS
The Sun
2 days ago
- Sport
- The Sun
Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven banned from tournaments after new rule introduced
DARTS star Noa-Lynn van Leuven will no longer be able to compete in women's tournaments under the World Darts Federation. It follows an update in the organisation's eligibility rules on transgender participation in events. 3 The decision was finalised on Monday after a vote by WDF members. In September 2024 a WDF General Meeting saw a remit put forward calling for the organisation to restrict participation in women's tournaments to only players who are female by birth. It means transgender women, such as 28-year-old Van Leuven, can only compete in the Open Category - which includes male players - under the organisation. A WDF statement on the change said: "Effective Monday 28 July 2025, entry and participation in WDF Women's and Girls Ranking Tournaments and Cups will only be open to players that are WOMEN/FEMALE as defined under this policy. "Accordingly, WDF Tournaments, Cups and Ranking Tables will be renamed and redefined as 'Open', 'Women', 'Open Youth' and 'Girls' tournaments and cups. "We understand these changes may be challenging for people who want to compete in darts in the gender which they are now registered as. "The WDF has directly contacted its Member Countries so as they can discuss these changes with affected players directly." This change will not affect the Dutch stars - or other transgender darts players - participation in competitions under the Professional Darts Corporation. The PDC, who refused to comment on this matter when approached by SunSport, operate under the rules of the Darts Regulation Authority. Last year, Van Leuven broke new ground as she became the first Dutch woman to qualify for the World Darts Championship, but was eliminated in the first round by compatriot Kevin Doets. She also featured in the Women's World Matchplay of Darts in Blackpool last week, reaching the semi-final before losing to eventual winner Lisa Ashton. Van Leuven is currently ranked 4th in the PDC Women's Order of Merit, with the top three stars eligible to qualify for the WDC and top rank qualifying for the Grand Slam of Darts. Ahead of last year's Ally Pally tournament, Van Leuven revealed she received sickening death threats every day, leading to her struggling with her mental health as she was forced to deal with "old traumas". Three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen came out in support of his darts rival before they faced off in the Grand Slam of Darts last year. He said: "It's just heartbreaking. She does what she does and she can play terrific darts. "Let her play nice. For me, there's never been a discussion, but I don't make the rules. The PDC has people who go over them. "They can never make the right choice anyway. If they go left, people say they should go right and vice versa. "Everyone has an opinion about it, but there is no point at all in continuing to argue." Van Leuven previously revealed how she had started considering her transition at the age of 16 after becoming "more and more unhappy with myself, to a point that I didn't want to live any more". 3
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Darts power couple Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies SPLIT after four years together
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS' golden couple Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies have split up after four years. The shock break-up was revealed by former tour player Vincent van der Voort on his podcast. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies have split Credit: PA 6 Sherrock lost in the Women's World Matchplay final on Sunday Credit: Getty 6 Menzies wasn't in the crowd to support Sherrock Credit: Getty The tungsten-throwing lovebirds met in an online darts league and fell in love over their love for KFC, but now they have brought their time together to an end. During the latest episode of the podcast Darts Draait Door, presenter Damian Vlottes let slip that Van de Voort knew their relationship had come to a close. Vlottes said: "They broke up — you told me.' To which Van de Voort replied: "True, yes. But what else do you want me to say about it? READ MORE ON DARTS LUKE AT THAT Littler is youngest EVER triple crown winner after winning World Matchplay "I don't work for a gossip magazine. I don't know the exact reason either. She told me and I didn't ask why.' SunSport has approached both Sherrock and Menzies' camps for comment. The news comes after Sherrock made her return to television on Sunday at the Women's World Matchplay. Menzies was nowhere to be seen in the crowd as 'The Queen of the Palace' took to the stage at Winter Gardens. 6 Former tour player Vincent van der Voort broke the news of their split Credit: Getty 6 Sherrock regularly watched Menzies' games from the crowd Credit: PA CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The Scot is normally watching on for all of Sherrock's matches but wasn't present for her return despite being in Blackpool himself for the Men's World Matchplay earlier in week. Sherrock reached the final, ultimately losing to Lisa Ashton, 54, after a string of eight missed darts at double. Darts star Cameron Menzies has nightmare as he busts with incredible 180 and is left with head in hands Meanwhile Menzies lost 10-2 to Danny Noppert in round one of the men's matchplay, exiting with the worst average (81.35) of the competition after busting with a 180. Menzies and Sherrock used to practice together at home, with Menzies admitting Sherrock would often get the better of him. He previously told Sky Sports: "We enjoy our practice together and she is a very class player. "She has done well for darts in general and is banging in 90 averages and 100 averages, the same as a lot of women. "I'm quite lucky I've got a very good partner who can play darts. "It's good in the house unless she beats me and I've got to make the food. I don't like it when she beats me. "I will support her left, right and centre. I am her biggest fan. "I might be a bit strict, but I know how good she is. I've known her for a very long time and I know she is very, very good. "She's taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I'm a very lucky person." 6 The couple were together for four years Credit: Instagram @fsherrock The pair had met while playing in an online darts league, competing in a doubles team. Following their initial online encounter, Menzies revealed that "It started off with a KFC''. He said: 'I had known Fallon for years in darts and played doubles with her years ago. ''We met in an online league in Southampton. ''The rest is history as they say. It started off with a KFC.'' Former plumber Menzies, who fixed a sink on the day of his world championship appearance, was also a brilliant father figure to Fallon's son Rory from another relationship. Sherrock was dubbed the 'Queen of the Palace' after becoming first woman to win at the World Championship back in 2019, ultimately reaching the third round. The 31-year-old announced last month that she is taking a year-long break from darts after battling with health issues. She said: "I just need to sort myself out. "I need to get myself well again and then once I do, the sky is the limit because I know I can do it and I know how many hours I've got to put in, what standard I've got to play. So I can do it, I just need the energy for it first."
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Darts power couple Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies SPLIT after four years together
DARTS' golden couple Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies have split up after four years. The shock break-up was revealed by former tour player Vincent van der Voort on his podcast. 3 Fallon Sherrock and Cameron Menzies have split Credit: PA 3 Sherrock lost in the Women's World Matchplay final on Sunday Credit: Getty 3 Menzies wasn't in the crowd to support Sherrock Credit: Getty The tungsten-throwing lovebirds met in an online darts league and fell in love over their love for KFC, but now they have brought their time together to an end. During the latest episode of the podcast Darts Draait Door, presenter Damian Vlottes let slip that Van de Voort knew their relationship had come to a close. Vlottes said: "They broke up — you told me.' To which Van de Voort replied: "True, yes. But what else do you want me to say about it? READ MORE ON DARTS "I don't work for a gossip magazine. I don't know the exact reason either. She told me and I didn't ask why.' SunSport has approached both Sherrock and Menzies' camps for comment. The news comes after Sherrock made her return to television on Sunday at the Women's World Matchplay. Menzies was nowhere to be seen in the crowd as 'The Queen of the Palace' took to the stage at Winter Gardens. Most read in Darts CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS The Scot is normally watching on for all of Sherrock's matches but wasn't present for her return despite being in Blackpool himself for the Men's World Matchplay earlier in week. Sherrock reached the final, ultimately losing to Lisa Ashton, 54, after a string of eight missed darts at double. Darts star Cameron Menzies has nightmare as he busts with incredible 180 and is left with head in hands Meanwhile Menzies lost 10-2 to Danny Noppert in round one of the men's matchplay, exiting with the worst average (81.35) of the competition after busting with a 180. Menzies and Sherrock used to practice together at home, with Menzies admitting she would often get the better of him. He previously told Sky Sports: "We enjoy our practice together and she is a very class player. "She has done well for darts in general and is banging in 90 averages and 100 averages, the same as a lot of women. "I'm quite lucky I've got a very good partner who can play darts. "It's good in the house unless she beats me and I've got to make the food. I don't like it when she beats me. "I will support her left, right and centre. I am her biggest fan. "I might be a bit strict, but I know how good she is. I've known her for a very long time and I know she is very, very good. "She's taken me places I would never have experienced because of darts, so I'm a very lucky person." The pair had met while playing in an online darts league, competing in a doubles team. Following their initial online encounter, Menzies revealed that "It started off with a KFC''. He said: 'I had known Fallon for years in darts and played doubles with her years ago. ''We met in an online league in Southampton. ''The rest is history as they say. It started off with a KFC.'' Former plumber Menzies, who fixed a sink on the day of his world championship appearance, was also a brilliant father figure to Fallon's son Rory from another relationship. Sherrock was dubbed the 'Queen of the Palace' after becoming first woman to win at the World Championship back in 2019, ultimately reaching the third round. The 31-year-old announced last month that she is taking a year-long break from darts after battling with health issues. She said: "I just need to sort myself out. "I need to get myself well again and then once I do, the sky is the limit because I know I can do it and I know how many hours I've got to put in, what standard I've got to play. So I can do it, I just need the energy for it first." MORE TO FOLLOW... THIS IS A DEVELOPING STORY.. The Sun is your go to destination for the best football, boxing and MMA news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video . Like us on Facebook at
Scottish Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Darts star Luke Littler tries out brand new sport and fans reckon they know where he learned his technique
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DARTS star Luke Littler turned his hand to GOLF during the middle of the World Matchplay. But his dismal technique saw him likened to hapless movie character Happy Gilmore by giggling fans. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Luke Littler swapped darts for golf but struggled to get his technique right Credit: X 4 The ace took a break ahead of his World Matchplay quarter-final tonight Credit: Getty Littler took a break from the oche after booking his place in the World Matchplay quarters with a stunning comeback against Jermaine Wattimena. The Nuke was 7-2 down before sealing a 13-11 victory to set up a clash against Andrew Gilding on Friday night. And to take his mind off the occasion, Littler decided to swap a darts board for a golf course. However, it was hardly The Open's Portrush course — with Littler instead opting for a game of crazy golf. READ MORE IN DARTS HARD TO WATCH Sky host can't keep straight face at darts ace Gilding's answer to question The teen donned his best shorts-and-hoodie combo as he joined Sky Sports for a day on the whimsical green. But Littler showed why he should be sticking to darts with a dismal performance. Hilarious video footage showed him struggling to get past one hole, which involved hitting the ball through a miniature cabin. At one stage, Littler even managed to knock his ball off the green and into some paving stones. BEST FREE BETS AND BETTING SIGN UP OFFERS But just like his win over Wattimena, the world champion stayed strong and eventually bounced back by potting the hole successfully. However, some fans felt Littler's approach was less Scottie Scheffler and more Happy Gilmore. Luke Littler stuns World Matchplay Darts with one of his greatest ever comebacks against Jermaine Wattimena 4 Littler was compared to movie character Happy Gilmore Credit: Netflix 4 The hockey star-turned-golfer famously had no technique and relied on a big drive Credit: Scott Yamano/Netflix The fictional character, played by Adam Sandler in 1996 and in a sequel released today, is a hockey player-turned-golfer who has little technique and gets by on his gigantic drive. One fan laughed: 'Littler holding a putter like he's Happy f*****g Gilmore.' Another declared: 'Never seen a putter before.' One noted: 'Mr Bean was better.' Another added: 'Golf isn't his game.'
The Sun
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Darts star Luke Littler tries out brand new sport and fans reckon they know where he learned his technique
DARTS star Luke Littler turned his hand to GOLF during the middle of the World Matchplay. But his dismal technique saw him likened to hapless movie character Happy Gilmore by giggling fans. 4 4 Littler took a break from the oche after booking his place in the World Matchplay quarters with a stunning comeback against Jermaine Wattimena. The Nuke was 7-2 down before sealing a 13-11 victory to set up a clash against Andrew Gilding on Friday night. And to take his mind off the occasion, Littler decided to swap a darts board for a golf course. However, it was hardly The Open's Portrush course — with Littler instead opting for a game of crazy golf. The teen donned his best shorts-and-hoodie combo as he joined Sky Sports for a day on the whimsical green. But Littler showed why he should be sticking to darts with a dismal performance. Hilarious video footage showed him struggling to get past one hole, which involved hitting the ball through a miniature cabin. At one stage, Littler even managed to knock his ball off the green and into some paving stones. But just like his win over Wattimena, the world champion stayed strong and eventually bounced back by potting the hole successfully. However, some fans felt Littler's approach was less Scottie Scheffler and more Happy Gilmore. Luke Littler stuns World Matchplay Darts with one of his greatest ever comebacks against Jermaine Wattimena 4 4 The fictional character, played by Adam Sandler in 1996 and in a sequel released today, is a hockey player-turned-golfer who has little technique and gets by on his gigantic drive. One fan laughed: 'Littler holding a putter like he's Happy f*****g Gilmore.' Another declared: 'Never seen a putter before.' One noted: 'Mr Bean was better.' Another added: 'Golf isn't his game.'
