Eleven-Time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is the new ASP World No. 1 following the Billabong Rio Pro, marking the first lead switch since Gabriel Medina (BRA) took poll position at Snapper Rocks. While there have been whispers that Slater has gotten off to a slow start in 2014 due to his absence from the podium after four events, the iconic Floridian has proven to be the most consistent among the Top 34. Headed into one of his favorite events, Slater told ASP his opponents should be ready to face him at his best.
The last time Slater missed a final throughout the first four stops on tour was 2007, but most recent champions Mick Fanning (AUS) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) were also dangerously quiet throughout the first half of the season while claiming their respective crowns.
A look back at Slater's road to victory at the 2013 Volcom Fiji Pro
With a slight edge over current No. 2 Taj Burrow (AUS), Slater will carry his momentum from a start of two Quarterfinals and two Semifinals to the upcoming Fiji Pro, an event that has seen the icon assert unmatched dominance throughout his career.
The defending Fiji Pro champion's assertiveness in the lineups of Cloudbreak and Restaurants has been astonishing. Slater has swept the event since its return to the Dream Tour schedule, collecting victories both in 2012 and 2013. A look back at his career proves Slater's prowess in the Fijian lineup has been equally impressive, with the veteran claiming two additional wins at the venue in 2005 and 2008 (both years he went on to win World Titles).
Slater's recent track record in Fiji has been immaculate, winning the last three times the location was on the WCT schedule.
With Slater entering the Fiji Pro as a heavy favorite, Cloudbreak will provide an excellent opportunity to extend his lead on the rankings in a hunt for an unprecedented 12th ASP World Title.
Slater defeated C.J. Hobgood to win the Globe Pro Fiji in 2008
Slater will face off against Rookie Mitch Crews (AUS) and event wildcard Isei Tokovou (FJI) in Round 1 of the Fiji Pro.
The event holds a waiting period from June 1 - 13, 2014.
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Slater collected a perfect 20-point heat in the Quarterfinals against Sebastian Zietz last season, eventually collecting his fourth career Fijian victory.
- WSL
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Slater's intimate wave knowledge in the Fijian lineup gives him a serious edge over less experienced competition.
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Slater's win in 2013 came over Mick Fanning in perfect six-foot cloudbreak.
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Slater opening up on a beautiful wall at Cloudbreak en route to victory in 2012.
- WSL / Kirstin Scholtz
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Slater's third Fijian crown in 2012 was earned over young Brazilian Gabriel Medina.
- WSL
Kelly Slater Heads to Fiji as ASP World No. 1
WSL
Eleven-Time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is the new ASP World No. 1 following the Billabong Rio Pro, marking the first lead switch since Gabriel Medina (BRA) took poll position at Snapper Rocks. While there have been whispers that Slater has gotten off to a slow start in 2014 due to his absence from the podium after four events, the iconic Floridian has proven to be the most consistent among the Top 34. Headed into one of his favorite events, Slater told ASP his opponents should be ready to face him at his best.
The last time Slater missed a final throughout the first four stops on tour was 2007, but most recent champions Mick Fanning (AUS) and Joel Parkinson (AUS) were also dangerously quiet throughout the first half of the season while claiming their respective crowns.
A look back at Slater's road to victory at the 2013 Volcom Fiji Pro
With a slight edge over current No. 2 Taj Burrow (AUS), Slater will carry his momentum from a start of two Quarterfinals and two Semifinals to the upcoming Fiji Pro, an event that has seen the icon assert unmatched dominance throughout his career.
The defending Fiji Pro champion's assertiveness in the lineups of Cloudbreak and Restaurants has been astonishing. Slater has swept the event since its return to the Dream Tour schedule, collecting victories both in 2012 and 2013. A look back at his career proves Slater's prowess in the Fijian lineup has been equally impressive, with the veteran claiming two additional wins at the venue in 2005 and 2008 (both years he went on to win World Titles).
Slater's recent track record in Fiji has been immaculate, winning the last three times the location was on the WCT schedule.
With Slater entering the Fiji Pro as a heavy favorite, Cloudbreak will provide an excellent opportunity to extend his lead on the rankings in a hunt for an unprecedented 12th ASP World Title.
Slater defeated C.J. Hobgood to win the Globe Pro Fiji in 2008
Slater will face off against Rookie Mitch Crews (AUS) and event wildcard Isei Tokovou (FJI) in Round 1 of the Fiji Pro.
The event holds a waiting period from June 1 - 13, 2014.
Kelly Slater
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