Surf Kelly Slater, claimed the title 11 of the ASP world by advancing to the third round of the Rip Curl Pro Search in Ocean Beach, San Francisco.
Slater, who won three of the nine events held this coming season in the contest, scored 15.13 to win the Australian, Dan Ross (14.40), until the last two minutes of the round before nailing movement which won the event.
Needing a score of 6.88 of its latest round, he scored 7.6. Ross failed with his last frantic effort, thousands of fans erupted in applause, knowing that their hero had still prevailed in the title race.
"I do not know, this has not sunk in. I was pretty stressed about it and I'm glad it's over," the native of 39 years in Florida said after his victory. "It very rewarding and there is personal satisfaction. It feels really good.
It was a special win for Slater with his triumph coming on the anniversary of one year of the death of Andy Irons, a former triple world champion, bitter rival and close friend of Kelly.
"It's kind of weird, I just thought a lot of things to come together and what is the chance I would do it on the anniversary of the death of Andy, unfortunately," Slater said in a statement following the contest . "In a way it obviously makes a lot more special for me. I guess one way to celebrate my memories of him and just think about him. "
Slater became youngest ever world champion ASP when he won his first at the tender age of 20 way back in 1992. During his amazing 20-year career, he won a trip record 48 events, drawing more than $ 3 million in prize money in the process.
"I have devoted my life to surfing and competing and going throughout the year and this ending is a rewarding feeling."
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