Olympic champion Marit Bouwmeester won the Laser Radial Women's World Championship ©Getty Images

Olympic champion Marit Bouwmeester clinched the Laser Radial Women's World Championship title after only one race was possible in the gold-medal fleet on the final day in Melbourne.

The Dutch sailor led by 24 points but saw her advantage cut dramatically to two after she finished 29th in the first race.

Bouwmeester was among the sailors caught out by a dramatic wind shift, but it did not cost her the gold medal as no further races were possible due to a lack of wind.

The 31-year-old was crowned world champion for a fourth time, much to the frustration of her nearest challengers.

Bouwmeester finished the event on 42 points, two clear of compatriot Maxime Jonkers in second.

Marit Bouwmeester was saved by a lack of wind after seeing her lead cut in the first race of the final day ©Getty Images
Marit Bouwmeester was saved by a lack of wind after seeing her lead cut in the first race of the final day ©Getty Images

Line Flem Høst of Norway took bronze, a further point behind the reigning Olympic champion.

"It's incredible. Today I didn't manage the first race well and I knew I had to be ready to go again," said Bouwmeester.

"But it's great to be on top again.

"We just started training together and the level of training is so high, they are pushing me every day. 

"This is really a team effort."

The result hands the Dutchwoman a timely boost prior to this year's Olympic Games in Tokyo, where she will aim to defend the title she won at Rio 2016.