Kaua'i's Andy Irons remained in contention for a fourth consecutive world championship by winning the Quiksilver Pro France yesterday.

The final day of the week-long contest was completed in 6- to 8-foot waves at La Graviere, Hossegor, France.

Irons won four heats yesterday, including a convincing victory over Florida's Damien Hobgood in the one-on-one final.

"I love this event," Irons said of his third consecutive Quiksilver Pro France victory. "I can't believe I've won here again. I want to move here. I love the people, I love the food, and I love the waves."

Irons remained No. 2 on the 2005 World Championship Tour ratings. Florida's Kelly Slater, who was eliminated in the quarterfinals yesterday, is No. 1.

Through nine of 11 events, Slater has 7,896 points, and Irons has 7,128. Slater could have clinched his record seventh world title with a victory yesterday.

Slater and Irons are the only two surfers still in contention for the 2005 world championship.

"Kelly is going to have to wait to pop the champagne cork for a little longer," Irons said.

Irons led the final heat from start to finish, clinching it early with a 9.33 ride. In the final tally, Irons' two best waves scored 17.0 points to Hobgood's 12.83.

In the quarterfinals, Irons defeated his younger brother, Bruce Irons, 15.83-11.0.

The next contest is the Nova Schin Pro at Florianopolis, Brazil, Oct. 31 to Nov. 9. The final event on the tour is the Rip Curl Pipeline Masters on O'ahu's North Shore, Dec. 8 to 20.

Among other Hawai'i surfers on the tour, Bruce Irons is ranked No. 11, Fred Patacchia Jr. is No. 13, Kalani Robb is No. 34, and Sunny Garcia is No. 37.