World Matchplay protesters removed by security as trans star Noa-Lynn van Leuven targeted

Protestors have marred the women's World Matchplay tournament in Blackpool. The event got underway today (Sunday) but has already been marred by controversy.

Organisers had to take action following Noa-Lynn van Leuven's opening match. The Dutch player is renowned for being the first openly transgender person to play in a televised darts tournament. She's won six titles on the PDC Women's Series and a trophy on the 2024 PDC Challenge Tour.

She opened her Matchplay campaign against Lorraine Winstanley. The 28-year-old was in rampant form, winning 4-0 to set up a second-round clash with Fallon Sherrock.

However, her entrance marred the contest. As Van Leuven walked towards the oche, she was reportedly targeted by three vociferous people.

According to Connor Cain, of Darts Now, three protestors had to be removed by security. One was said to wearing a 'Save Women's Sport' shirt and another was filming.

They were also said to be trying to throw things on stage during the walk-in. It's not the first time her involvement in the sport has courted controversy, with PDC chief executive Matt Porter having previously been forced to defend her participation.

"Ultimately, we came up with a policy that we believe to be fair," he said. "We respect the fact that not everybody agrees with that, and we accept that it's not a unanimously accepted position. However, it's a position that we've adopted and that we believe is fair."

All eyes will now be on her clash with Sherrock today. She beat Gemma Hayter 4-3 in a dramatic first-round match and is looking to regain the title she won in the inaugural year, 2022.