It looks like Kelly Slater could be on target for an 11th world surfing title after triumphing at feared Teahupoo in Tahiti.
The American great went into the Billabong Pro ranked No.6 but came out the new No.1 after triumphing over Australian young gun Owen Wright in the final on Monday (Tuesday AEST).
Kelly Slater wins the Billabong Pro Tahiti
He capitalised as Joel Parkinson, Jordy Smith, Adriano De Souza, Mick Fanning and Taj Burrow all failed to reach the quarter-final stage.
Slater won the Billabong Pro Tahiti in clean double overhead waves that produced one of the greatest surf contests in competitive surfing history.
If you were watching the live streaming you will have seen how masive the waves were – and at one point on Saturday the contest was called off because the swell was too big, a reason for not running a contest unheard of in the ASP World Tour.
An impromptu tow-in surf event was called that caused a bit of a stir on Billabong’s Facebook page as the media team struggled to set up the live streaming – but amidst massive waves the Billabong team pulled it out of the bag to record some of the most amazing surfing at Teahupo’o ever.
Bruce Irons Expression Session
In a moving tribute to his brother, Bruce Irons surfed a 30 minute expression session in between the semis and the final.
Bruce Irons Expression Session in memory of Andy Irons
Kelly Wins
Kelly Slater wins in Tahiti
Kelly defeated Josh Kerr in the semifinals before taking down Australian goofy footer Owen Wright 18.43 to 17.10 in a thrilling final that left Wright disappointed and Slater yet again a winner at an ASP World Tour Event, covering over two decades of sheer dominance.
“I felt like I finally hit my stride in the Semifinals this morning,” said Slater. “In the Final, I fell on a couple of waves that were maybe better than what I ended up getting scored on. It put the pressure on me, and took the pressure off him (Wright). He got that really big one at the end that could have gotten pretty close to the score. These are the best conditions this event has ever run in. It’s been a phenomenal week.”
Slater takes over the mantle previously held by the late Andy Irons, who won the event last year.
“You know Andy won last year, and I had my last heat here with him, ” said a choked up Slater. “There’s a lot of things that are really meaningful in it for me. Kind of a bookend for me and Andy. To win these events back-to-back is really nice.”
The win catapulted Slater to the top of the ASP World Tour Rankings, as the previous top five were all eliminated in the first three rounds of the contest. The defending 10-Time World Champion is now in the driver’s seat for an unprecedented 11th World Title.
Jeremy Flores Biggest Wave at Billabong Pro Tahiti
Jeremy Flores (FRA), 23, put in some of the most inspiring performances of the event, bagging the biggest waves and even surfing a Perfect 20 heat in yesterday’s idyllic conditions. For his heroics, Flores was awarded the Andy Irons Award for most committed performance of the event. This is the inaugural year for the award, honoring the late ASP and Billabong Pro Tahiti Champion Andy Irons.
“Andy (Irons) meant everything to me,” Flores said. “He has been the guy I’ve looked up to my whole life. In heavy waves, in all waves, he was the best and to earn this award is so special for me. He inspired everyone on tour and he’s been my inspiration in Tahiti. I know he was smiling on this event. Thank you Andy.”
Kelly Rides a Quad Set up
And what of Kelly’s board set up than won him the final….
Looking confident from his opening heat Kelly was convinced riding a quad was the right decision at the infamous Tahitian reef pass.
“I rode my K2.1 Quad set-up for the entire event, it felt really fast and comfortable in the tube. The quad set-up seems to provide a little more security especially in the barrel, it also gives you more control when you’re riding a shorter board”.
Kelly Slater Quiver Decks for the Billabong Pro Tahiti
