Florida's Kelly Slater moved another step closer to an unprecedented ninth world title today by winning the Billabong Pro J-Bay men's surfing contest.

Slater beat reigning world champion Mick Fanning of Australia in the final for his 38th career world tour victory.

The final day of the contest was run in 4- to 6-foot waves at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

The Billabong Pro is the fifth of 11 stops on the 2008 World Championship Tour. Slater has won four of the first five events this year, and holds a commanding lead in the overall ratings.

"I didn't realize I was going to be overwhelmed by it, but I haven't been in this position before, at this point of the year, with this many wins," Slater said. "There are great things going on in my life so I'm just trying to soak it up and be appreciative."

Slater beat Fanning, 16.73-9.4, in today's final.

Through the first five events of the year, Slater has 5,210 points. Australia's Joel Parkinson is No. 2 with 3,948.

"I'd like to think I have it the bag but I have to be realistic, it's early on — we're not quite half way yet," Slater said. "We have 11 events this year and this is number five. Last year at this point I was looking at Mick (Fanning) that way."

Slater, 36, already owns a record eight world championships.

Kauai's Andy Irons was eliminated in the quarterfinals of today's contest. He lost to Australia's Taj Burrow, 13.57-8.47.

Irons is currently ranked No. 8 in the overall standings.

Fellow Hawaii surfers Bruce Irons and Fred Patacchia Jr. were eliminated in the fourth round.