Australia's Mick Fanning could clinch the 2007 world championship this week during the Hang Loose Santa Catarina Pro at Imbituba, Brazil.

Fanning, 26, has led the 2007 World Championship Tour ratings since winning the first event in March.

With eight of the 10 events completed, Fanning has 7,346 points. Florida's Kelly Slater is ranked No. 2 with 6,326, and Australia's Taj Burrow is No. 3 with 6,275.

Slater and Burrow are the only surfers with a shot at catching Fanning.

"This year has been great," Fanning said. "I've had a lot of really good results and it's coming down to the end now. Kelly and Taj are still there. It's great for the tour."

In effect, Slater and Burrow need to place higher than Fanning in Brazil to keep the title race going in Hawai'i. The 2007 tour finale is the Billabong Pro Pipeline Masters on O'ahu's North Shore in December.

"I guess there's always a bit of pressure when you're in the front, but I think that's the best place to be," Burrow said. "I think Mick is in a great position, but I'm just happy to be in there mathematically and have a chance."

Fanning and Burrow have never won the world championship. Slater owns a record eight world titles, including the 2006 championship.

Among the top Hawai'i surfers on the World Championship Tour, Kaua'i's Andy Irons is currently ranked No. 5, and Pancho Sullivan of Sunset Beach is No. 9.

Also, Fred Patacchia Jr. is No. 28, and Bruce Irons is No. 30.

NORTH SHORE BEACH CLEANUP TOMORROW

Hundreds — including some of the world's top surfers — are expected to participate in the 3rd annual Da Hui/Wolfpak North Shore Beach Cleanup tomorrow.

The participants will pick up trash from more than 10 miles of shoreline, stretching from Velzyland Beach Park to Hale'iwa Beach.

Donations will also be collected for the Eddie Aikau Foundation and the Hawai'i Food Bank.

Volunteers can meet at Velzyland Beach Park at 8 a.m. for instructions and information.