By IWSF Press Release
Published: November 30, 2008
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It has been another challenging and exciting season for the Wakeboard World Cup Skiers and Riders. Having celebrated the 26th successful World Cup Stop and final of the 2008 series in Doha, Qatar last weekend, the International Water Ski Federation (IWSF) released the overall season points scores today. MasterCraft have been the official competition boat suppliers at all 26 Stops to date.

Rising to the top in this World Cup series was the ultimate competitors test. On a journey which included Dubna in Russia, Hacienda Bay in Egypt, Marina Bay in Singapore, Putrajaya Lake in Malaysia and Doha in Qatar, this tested the skills and stamina of the elite group of athletes who qualified for entry. With an estimated 30 million participants in the world today, only the top 15 stand a chance of receiving a World Cup invitation. With an entry which included multiple world champions and world record holders, the differing climates and water conditions provided a tremendous test over the past five months for both the young rising stars and the more experienced athletes.

World Cup audiences were treated to some of the most outstanding performances seen to date at the last event in Doha. The new 15-year-old sensation Raimi Merritt (USA) recorded her second impressive World Cup podium place in the pro women division in Doha. However, as anticipated, the ex-gymnast and international wakeboard star, Dallas Friday (USA), once again took the World Cup season title. Her impressive consistency made all the difference.

In pro men, after 26 successful World Cup Stops in the series, few have been as dominant throughout as Phillip Soven (USA). His effortless performances proved once again that he is truly in a league of his own. He completed this 2008 World Cup season by taking the overall wakeboard title once again. Both Andrew Adkison (USA) and Dean Smith (AUS) also greatly impressed.

All the 2008 Wakeboard World Cup details, season scores and video clips are available on waterskiandwakeboardworldcup.com.

World Cup Season Winners

Pro Women
1. Dallas Friday (USA)
2. Raimi Merritt (USA)
3. Shelby Kantar (USA)

Pro Men
1. Phillip Soven (USA)
2. Andrew Adkison (USA)
3. Dean Smith (AUS)

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