Jamaican-born Deta Hedman underlined the true island spirit of defying the global odds to become the first Black woman to lift a World Dart Champions Title.

Hedman, who now resides in the UK at 66, showed the highest degree of wisdom in her laser-like concentration and tactical approach to claim not only her first, but a race/gender first for all-around historic maiden title at the recently concluded World Championship.

In addition to bagging the title which has eluded her grip for over 30 years, the win was packed with addional first for a black woman, including First Black world champion in WDF history, across both divisions⁠, First Black woman to compete in the PDC World Championship⁠ , as well as age group first as the Oldest woman to hoist a WDF world title at 66⁠. Not a bad haul for a maiden title.

Nicknamed the “Caribbean Queen”, the first caps off her career as a true pioneer of female darts. The win comes 20 years after being the first woman to beat a male player in a televised major stage⁠ in 2005. Such was her impact on the game that she was also given a royal honour OBE, by King Charles in June of this year for her influence on darts and charity⁠.