Stephanie Gilmore has won the world surfing title for the seventh time in her career, equalling the record of wave great Layne Beachley.

Key points: Lakey Peterson's early exit at Maui Pro secured seventh world title for Stephanie Gilmore

Lakey Peterson's early exit at Maui Pro secured seventh world title for Stephanie Gilmore Gilmore had advanced to third round with a dominant heat win in the first round

Gilmore had advanced to third round with a dominant heat win in the first round At 30, Gilmore has chance to eclipse surfing great Layne Beachley to become most successful women's surfer

Gilmore clinched the record-equalling title in the season-ending Maui Pro event after American Lakey Peterson made an early exit.

"This is just, I don't know, I wasn't expecting this right now, I just went home to chill out and come back and get ready for battle," Gilmore said.

"That was intense, but, oh my gosh, I can't believe it, it's so cool," Gilmore said, failing to hold back the tears.

"Surfing means everything to me, it's given me everything. I'll never forget being a young girl and just surfing all day long, it's all I could think about.

"It's still my first love and it gives me so much joy. It challenges you and it's just everything, so to come here today and to be able to achieve this is so, so special. Surfing is the best, it really is."

Stephanie Gilmore said it was an honour to match Layne Beachley's titles haul. ( WSL: Kelly Cestari )

Gilmore paid credit to Beachley, citing her as an inspiration to female surfers.

"It is an honour to sit beside you, Layne. To equal you is such an honour. Thank you so much, thanks for setting the standard."

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At 30, Gilmore is likely to surpass Beachley as the most successful women's surfer but quickly played down suggestions that Kelly Slater's record haul of 11 world titles could be a target.

"I hate that question," she said when asked if the American legend's mark was in jeopardy.

"I'm just going to lap up seven. But this is so, so cool."

Queenslander Gilmore advanced to the third round earlier on Monday with a dominant round one heat win.

She dispatched American Sage Erickson and Alana Blanchard, with the Hawaiian later returning to beat Peterson in round two and seal Gilmore's latest success.

ABC/AAP