| Albert Muñoz is the 2011 ISA World Kneeboard champion |
| Saturday, 02 April 2011 13:31 |
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Albert Muñoz has conquered the 2011 ISA World Kneeboard Open title, at Woolamai Beach, Victoria, Australia. The Puerto Rican wave rider scored 13.00 points and beated Chayne Simpson, in the final heat. "Since I very first rode a kneeboard I have wanted to win a world title," said Muñoz with tears in his eyes. "I have been dreaming about this since I was a kid. My biggest ambition in life has been to be the best in the world, even if it is just for 20 minutes. I just wanted to be World Champion." Muñoz, who is currently living in Australia, had to battle harsh conditions to clinch the world kneeboard trophy. Strong waves and onshores winds helped the formation of nice right-handers. The opening final of the day saw local Phillip Island surfer Jethro Cooney win his first ISA World Title in the Junior division. Cooney’s two-wave total of 8.50 was just enough to take victory ahead of Chris Linn who scored 7.50. Cooney was ecstatic with his win and was all smiles when greeted by his family and friends. "It is a bit of a shock to win since all of the other guys surf so well," said Cooney. "I surf here all the time so I just went out and hunted the double-up rights in the rip and found a few good ones." The final of the Immortals division, for surfers over 64 years of age, was decided in the last five seconds of the 25-minute affair. USA surfer John Mel locked in a 4.50 on the siren to defeat his opponent David Condon. Mel finished with a two-wave total of 9.75 (out of a possible 20), only 0.05 points ahead of Condon’s 9.70. "I’m really happy about this win. The whole American team has been really supportive of each other, it was really special to share the joy of my victory with the whole group," said Mel. David Parkes dominated the Veterans division final, locking two near-perfect scores of a 9.00 and 9.65. After winning the World Title, Parkes said, "I managed to find two nice rides and I had a lot of fun out there during the entire event. This is a great chance to catch up with friends from all over the world." 2011 ISA World Kneeboard Results: Open Men. 1. Albert Munoz 13.00 AUS (Red) Open Women. 1. Donna Jennings 14.00 AUS (Red) Junior. 1. Jethro Cooney 8.50 AUS (Yellow) Cadets. 1. Tom Novakov 16.00 AUS (Red) Pro Junior. 1. Hamish Christophers 13.50 NZ (Red) Seniors. 1. Chayne Simpson 15.00 AUS (Yellow) Grand Masters. 1. Matt Novakov 12.65 AUS (Yellow) Kahunas. 1. Craig McDonald 16.25 NZ (Yellow) Masters. 1. Kyle Bryant 14.75 AUS (Yellow) Immortals. 1. John Mel 9.75 USA (Red) Legends. 1. Robert Gove 11.25 AUS (Yellow) Veterans. 1. David Parkes 18.65 AUS (Yellow)
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