Transgender darts star Noa-Lynn van Leuven reveals she received daily death threats after being rejected by her teammates – but explains why she is determined to keep playing ahead of her World Championship debut

Transgender darts player Noa-Lynn van Leuven has revealed she received daily death threats online earlier this year.

Van Leuven, 28, whose gender transition began as a teenager, has stormed the women's rankings in recent months by winning multiple titles.

However, some of Van Leuven's rivals called for her to be banned from women's competitions and Dutch duo Anca Zijlstra and Aileen de Graaf left the national team back in March after refusing to play with her.

Van Leuven has now spoken out about the backlash she received on social media following the incident.

“We all remember the withdrawal of my Dutch teammates,” Van Leuven said, according to The Sun.

“I received so many hate messages on my social media. People recognized me on the street. Most of them were fine and really supported me.

Anca Zijlstra (left) and Aileen de Graaf (right) refused to play in the same team as Van Leuven

Van Leuven is determined to keep playing because she loves the sport so much

“But these messages, like death threats… how many did I get? Daily? At this time, yes.'

Van Leuven became the first transgender player to compete in the Grand Slam of Darts last month and she has qualified to take part in the World Championships at Alexandra Palace when it begins on Sunday.

PDC chief executive Matt Porter stressed last month that the current policy towards transgender players was “fair” and gave Van Leuven the green light to compete on the biggest stage.

And Van Leuven has no intention of giving up the sport any time soon, despite the abuse she has suffered in recent months.

“I love this game, so I’m going to keep playing,” she added.

Van Leuven is supported by her compatriot and three-time world champion Michael van Gerwen.

Of Van Leuven's treatment, Van Gerwen said: “It's just heartbreaking.” She does what she does and she can play great darts.

‘Let them play nice.’ There was never a discussion with me, but I don’t make the rules.”

Michael van Gerwen has defended Van Leuven's right to play despite some calls for her to be banned

Van Leuven could face former world champion Michael Smith at the Ally Pally next week

Van Leuven will make history when she becomes the first transgender player to take part in the World Cup.

Next Tuesday she will face her Dutch compatriot Kevin Doets in the first round, and the winner will face former world champion Michael Smith in the second round.