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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:21 p.m., Thursday, September 11, 2008

Surfing: Kelly Slater nears another Tour title with fifth win of season

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Florida's Kelly Slater continued his dominance of the 2008 World Championship Tour of surfing by winning the Boost Mobile Pro today.

Slater defeated Australia's Taj Burrow in today's final, 18.97-18.63.

The contest was completed in 2- to 4-foot waves at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif.

Slater has won five of the seven contests completed on the 2008 tour. There are still four more events to come on the tour, but Slater is likely to clinch the world title at the next event in France next week.

Slater rallied in today's final to overtake Burrow in the final two minutes.

"I was literally out there just trying to save face. I thought Taj had me," Slater said.

Slater received $75,000 for the victory, which included a $45,000 bonus from contest sponsor Hurley.

Through the first seven events of the tour, Slater has 6,820 points. Burrow is No. 2 with 5,402.

"I don't really care about the ratings because I know Kelly is so far ahead that it's almost impossible to catch him," Burrow said.

Kaua'i's Andy Irons was eliminated in the second round of the contest, and dropped to No. 9 in the ratings.