Albert Muñoz: on your knees, sir

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 beat 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 onshore 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 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 in two near-perfect scores of 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)
2. Chanye Simpson 12.25 AUS (White)
3. Kyle Bryant 11.50 AUS (Yellow)
4. David Parkes 9.75 AUS (Blue)

Open Women

1. Donna Jennings 14.00 AUS (Red)
2. Jordan Cooksley 9.15 NZ (Yellow)
3. Cynthia Wornham 9.15 USA (Blue)
4. Rebecca Heemi 5.30 NZ (Black)
5. Josephine Moore 5.00 NZ (White)

Junior

1. Jethro Cooney 8.50 AUS (Yellow)
2. Chris Linn 7.50 USA (White)
3. Kurt Muesburger 4.20 AUS (Red)
4. Shane Whitehouse 2.85 AUS (Blue)

Cadets

1. Tom Novakov 16.00 AUS (Red)
2. Kurt Geisler 7.00 NZ (Blue)
3. Evan Odom 4.75 USA (White)
4. Catherine Karney 4.00 AUS (Yellow)

Pro Junior

1. Hamish Christophers 13.50 NZ (Red)
2. Matt Novakov 7.70 AUS (Yellow)
3. Sam Coyne 5.25 USA (White)
4. Kelvin Weir 4.45 NZ (Blue)

Seniors

1. Chayne Simpson 15.00 AUS (Yellow)
2. Albert Munoz 11.50 AUS (Blue)
3. James Anderson 8.10 UK (Red)
4. Armando Colucci 6.60 VEN (White)

Grand Masters

1. Matt Novakov 12.65 AUS (Yellow)
2. Kevin Fisher AUS 9.65 (White)
3. Baden Smith 9.50 AUS (Blue)
4. Dale Ponsford 8.60 AUS (Red)

Kahunas

1. Craig McDonald 16.25 NZ (Yellow)
2. Damian Coase 12.35 AUS (White)
3. Rob Rennie 7.65 AUS (Red)
4. Paul Satchell 6.80 AUS (Blue)

Masters

1. Kyle Bryant 14.75 AUS (Yellow)
2. Simon Farrer 14.00 AUS (Red)
3. Chris Carey 8.95 AUS (White)
4. Matt Gallagher 5.00 AUS (Blue)

Immortals

1. John Mel 9.75 USA (Red)
2. David Condon 9.70 AUS (White)

Legends

1. Robert Gove 11.25 AUS (Yellow)
2. Steve Artis 5.70 AUS (Blue)
3. Gunther Frensch 4.15 AUS (Red)
4. Rudy Lausz 2.45 AUS (White)

Veterans

1. David Parkes 18.65 AUS (Yellow)
2. Pater MacClure 10.85 AUS (Red)
3. Red Ceglowski 8.00 AUS (Blue)
4. Mark Abel 3.40 AUS (White)

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