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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, September 12, 2008

Slater closing in on ninth world surfing title

Advertiser Staff

Florida's Kelly Slater continued to dominate the 2008 World Championship Tour of surfing by winning the Boost Mobile Pro yesterday.

Slater defeated Australia's Taj Burrow, 18.97-18.63, in yesterday's final, and is now on the verge of clinching an unprecedented ninth world title.

The final day of the contest was run 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 yesterday's final to overtake Burrow with less than two minutes remaining.

"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.