Trina Gulliver (pictured) has spoken of her delight after she lifted the world championship crown for the seventh time with a thrilling 2-1 win against Dutch ace Francis Hoenselaar at the Lakeside, Frimley Green.

Gulliver, 37, who plays for The Shears in Wantage, struggled, lost the first set to the world No 2.

However, the world No 1, who plays darts for a living, battled back to level at 1-1.

The first two legs of the decider were also shared.

But in sudden death, Gulliver reached the check-out first and hit double 18 to clinch victory.

"I was relieved really," said Gulliver, who now lives in Wantage, having moved from her native Warwickshire two years ago.

"It was the closest final ever. It was a tough one. But it's great to be seven times world champion.

"I'm not thinking about winning it for an eighth time - I'm just enjoying the moment.

"I think this time sticks out more than most because it was such a brilliant final and I very nearly lost it. But I found the energy from somewhere to get through.

"In that last leg I knew I had to win the bull and start off with a good score, which I did. I managed to find the energy Gulliver, who was watched by her family, Shears' teammate Clare Bywaters, and her legions of fans, said she felt ladies' darts did not get the credit it deserved.

"When you are seven-times world champion, people think you are loaded, but it's not the case," she said.

"The men get £70,000 for winning the title and we get £6,000. I think it's ridiculous.

"There is such a huge difference. We just do it for the kudos of winning."

Next month she flies off to Holland to take part in the Dutch Open.

Gulliver, who has been playing darts since she was 14, and represents Warwickshire, said turning out for Shears was important to her.

"Because playing darts is your job, it's nice to go out for a social night," she added.

"I would like to thank everyone at The Shears and throughout Oxfordshire for their brilliant support."

Shears' landlady, Gill Cox added: "The final was very exciting. We are so proud of Trina."