JUBILANT Julie Saunders is on top of the world!

The Hampshire star was crowned the best female bowler on the planet after winning the World Singles Champion of Champions tournament in New Zealand.

The 43-year-old sports coach beat Australia's Julie Keegan 10-2 6-8 (2-1) in a dramatic outdoor final at Christchurch.

"I simply can't believe it and I am absolutely thrilled to have won the title for myself, for the people who supported me out here, and for Hampshire and England.

"I prepared so thoroughly for the tournament and even bought myself some new bowls to cope with the windy weather in New Zealand and everything has paid off," said Saunders, who qualified for the world showdown by taking the English crown at Royal Leamington Spa in 2005.

See today's Daily Echo for full story