KING'S Lynn Stars' young prodigy Darcy Ward has been crowned World U21 champion.The 17-year-old Australian scored 13 points from his five rides in Croatia on Saturday to edge out hometown favourite Jurica Pavlic by a point.

KING'S Lynn Stars' young prodigy Darcy Ward has been crowned World U21 champion.

The 17-year-old Australian scored 13 points from his five rides in Croatia on Saturday to edge out hometown favourite Jurica Pavlic by a point.

Pavlic pipped Belle Vue's Patrick Hougaard and British racer Tai Woffinden to the silver medal behind Ward in a high class world final.

Ward won his first three races on a Gorican track he had never visited prior to Saturday's final before two second-placed finishes in his final two tours clinched a stunning victory.

The teenager has played a key part in King's Lynn's surge to the Premier League title and Premier Trophy successes in his debut domestic season.

Ward is sure to receive a hero's welcome on his Norfolk Arena return in Tuesday's Premier League KO Cup, semi final first leg tussle against Scunthorpe as Lynn step up their grand slam bid.