Golden girl gunning for tenth title - and nine-darter

In a repeat of last year’s Lakeside final, the Southam-born thrower beat Wales’ Rhian Edwards 2-0 to clinch the £10,000 first prize.

Gulliver, who had been struggling with a cold in the run-up to the event, recovered from losing the opening leg to win the first set 3-1.

She won the first leg of the second set before Edwards, who overcame second seed Deta Hedman in her semi-final, levelled with a 106 checkout.

Gulliver, however, was not to be denied and won the next two legs, sealing the title with double ten.

The 2-0 victory means Gulliver, who now lives in Cheddar with her partner Sue Biddle, has won more than 110 titles since turning professional in 1996.

However, she poured scorn on suggestions the desire was not as strong as it once was.

“It’s not hard to motivate myself for the World Championship,” said Gulliver. “It’s the one I’ve always done well in and the one I strive to achieve in and put in more practice for.

“I love that stage.

“And, although it was extremely hot in the final, it favoured me more than Rhian.”

With Martin Adams still ruling the world at the age of 55, 41-year-old Gulliver has plenty more years in her before she entertains thoughts of retirement.

She admits, though, that she has given some thought to life away from the oche.

“I’ve done a bit a commentating and presenting and when the time comes I’d like to do something in that area. But I don’t think about retirement. As long as I’m doing well I’ll continue.”

Gulliver returns to action for Warwickshire against Lancashire in the BDO Inter-County Championship this weekend, with the Dutch Open her next major event.

There she will be looking to go one better than last year, when she was beaten 5-4 by Hedman in a dramatic final.

She also revealed an extra incentive, which so far even the Golden Girl has failed to achieve.

“From a ladies’ point of view I’d love to hit a nine-darter. I’ve missed double 18 for $100,000 in Canada and missed out on a car in Ireland.

“Unfortunately, there is less chance for ladies with the shorter format.”

And, having been honoured in Southam by a Trina Trail commemorating her first seven world titles, Gulliver does not expect to see any additional benches dotted around the town following her latest win.

“I think they stopped at seven. It’s a good job as they might have to start putting them on the bypass.”