LAS VEGAS — Robson Palermo edged world champion Guilherme Marchi by 2.75 points for the event average title today in the Professional Bull Riders Built Ford Tough World Finals at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Marchi entered the eighth and final round — limited to the top 15 riders — with a record seven straight rides and a total of 622.50. Palermo, Chris Shivers and Reese Cates each rode ridden six of their first seven bulls.

After rookie Cates was bucked off Avalanche, Palermo had an 87.00-point ride on Camo, and Shivers had an unsuccessful ride on Troubador. Marchi, who wrapped up the world title Saturday in the sixth round, then was bucked off Bones in 4.0 seconds.

"That bull bucked me off in Tulsa," Marchi said. "He's a very tough bull and very strong. He's bucked me off two times."

Palermo finished at 625.25 for seven head to earn $250,000. He made $321,000 at the world finals to finish sixth overall at $528,765.

"I'm very happy for him (Palermo)," said Marchi about his fellow Brazilian. "He tries very hard, too. Everybody has a time, I think. I'm proud for him because he was hurt this year and worked very hard in the finals."

J.B. Mauney was third with a six-ride score of 545.75, followed by two-time world champion Shivers (542.75) and Cates (538.00).

Mauney won the final round with an 89.00 on Fist Full of Dollars, Palermo was second and Renato Nunes finished third with an 84.00 on Pandora's Box. They were the lone riders to cover their bulls during the final round. It was Mauney's fourth victory at the finals. He won the first, second, fourth and eighth rounds.

Earlier Sunday in the seventh round, Marchi covered his seventh bull with an 86.25 on Flash. Justin McBride won the round with a 93.50 on Pearl Snap.

Marchi was trying to become the second rider to claim a season championship and win the finals average in the same year. In 2004, Lee covered seven of eight bulls on his way to winning the world and average titles.

"This year, I tried to come here and break his (Lee's) record (by covering on eight bulls)," said Marchi, second in the world title chase the last three years. "But I rode on seven bulls and finished second in the average. I hope to come back next year and try to break his record."

Marchi received a $1 million bonus for winning the world title and a total of $1,528,696 for the regular season and the Finals.

In the world standings, Marchi finished with 16,841.50 points, Mauney was second with 13,014.75, followed by Valdiron de at 11,850.00. Marchi also had five wins on the PBR Tour during the regular season, more than any competitor.

Cates won the Daisy Rookie of the Year title, finishing 11th overall with $161,590. Pistol Robinson was second with $81,204 for 2008.

"I rode 6-for-8, and that's better than a lot of other guys did," Cates said. "But I didn't live up to my expectations."

The event was the last for three-time world champion Adriano Moraes and two-time champ McBride. They are retiring.