After one of the most exciting chases in recent years the 2009 world title ended with a relative whimper on Sunday (Monday Hawaiian time). The chase came down to two surfers: Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning. Two surfers who happen to be very good friends and it was this aspect that added a rare human element to the title chase. Speculation was rife about how the winner would act, and how the loser would react. Truth be told it was hard not to speculate about the scenario. After all, this was much more than cold and ruthless competition, there was something more valuable at stake than ratings points or trophies - friendship. Leading up to the Pipe Masters I ran a series on Swellnet recalling incidents where world title campaigns have been won (and lost) in dramatic fashion at Pipe. I think anyone with even a passing interest in competitive surfing would've loved to have seen this year end in similar circumstances, with a protracted battle through the early rounds and do-or-die finish in the finals. The lead up to Pipe was promising: an incredible early season run of swell, the Eddie being held at perfect Waimea and Parko's World Cup win at mammoth Sunset. The support acts really rocked the room. Competition for the Pipe Masters started on the right note with two days of 6-10 foot perfection. There were ample waves ridden in the consistent swell and rarely any heats were won on luck. However, just when it mattered most, Pipe faltered. The waves went on leave for Parko's round three match-up against Gavin Gillette and it affected the outcome. Gillette rode his waves well, but it wasn't the tube-duel we were all hoping for. After an incredible lead-up it all ended with a whimper. Parko was left needing a high-six to win and couldn't find it. With seconds to spare he paddled into a wave and bailed out. Just like that the race was over. In an interesting twist Mick was preparing to surf his round four heat as Parko was getting beaten, the overlapping heat system putting them in the water together. Nipping any awkward moments firmly in the bud Parko paddled up and shook hands. The two of them spoke for a minute, alone with a hundred cameras trained on them. If the surf didn't follow the supposed script the heat draw certianly did. Mick's opponent in his round four heat was the third 'Cooly Kid', Dean Morrisson. Morrisson deftly disposed of the new world champ, and after the heat was over he and Parko, who waited at the waters edge, chaired Mick up the beach. It must've been gut-wrenching for Parko to watch but he was noble in defeat. His gestures were sincere and his composure at this most heartbreaking moment was admirable. And now there's no more speculation, the world title is decided. It's Mick Fanning that is inked into the history books for all of posterity, but when I think of the 2009 world title there'll be two names that I recall.//STUART NETTLE