Joel Parkinson has officially staked his claim as the favorite to win the 2009 ASP World Title. Parko defeated wildcard Adam Robertson in the Rip Curl Pro final, making it two for two on the 2009 ASP World Tour.

“I took confidence from home and now from here I’ll take more,” said Parkinson. “People can get caught up in the whole World Title race, but I always said I wanted start the year with some results – I just never thought I would start this well. There are a lot of really hungry, angry surfers that are behind me and will come out so strong in the next events. I’m just showing up to the next event with my same game plan and taking things step by step. I’ve said since the Gold Coast that the World Title is a marathon, not a sprint. There are still eight events.”

This is the second time Parko has won at Bells, the first being in 2004. "Winning at home is probably the most special win you can have but this is the most special trophy you can have,” said Parkinson, referring to the infamous Bell Trophy handed out to the winner of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. “There is not another trophy in surfing that holds the prestige and honor list that this has. To be back on the trophy again and to hold it for a year is going to be amazing.”

Adam Robertson surprised everyone by making it to the finals. Despite not having a sponsor, the wildcard knocked out Bede Durbidge among many heavy hitters to make it to the final. “It’s great, I feel good, I feel fit and I feel like I am surfing well,” said Robertson. “I just have to take that into the WQS (World Qualifying Series) now so that I can qualify for the ASP World Tour. The prize-money will help, but a little bit extra is always good, a bit of sponsorship. But that’s OK, it is really hard right now for a lot of people to get a sponsor, not just myself. My goal is just to go good and win prize money and keep going. I will just keep that mentality until someone comes along and if sponsorship doesn’t come along then I’ve just got to keep going good."

Jordy Smith had his best result in an ASP World Tour event, knocking out Mick Fanning in the quarters before losing to Parko in the semis to finish an equal third. "This is the best result of my career so far,” said Smith. “I think it is equal with what I got at J-Bay as a wildcard. I can’t complain. I’ll maybe have a little fun tonight, a little party and celebrate with the winner. It has been pretty much good waves all week so I have been stoked to be down here. Congratulations to Joel (Parkinson), he made the Final and he surfed really well. I think this year is his year, he is certainly a World Title contender."

Photo of Joel Parkinson and video highlights courtesy of the ASPWORLDTOUR.com.