It’s a race between two for the ASP World Championship after Mick Fanning was eliminated in the 3rd round of the season ending Billabong Pipeline Masters. Only a mathematical chance before the event, Fanning’s exit leaves Kelly Slater and Joel Parkinson neck and neck in the title race. Going off 3rd and 4th round form, it’s a dead heat with both surfers staking impressive claims with dominant performances.
Slater’s 18.63 points out of a possible 20 against Billy Kemper, and
Parkinson’s 18.1 against CJ Hobgood and Kieren Perrow in round four,
were the highest heat scores of the day.
Competition is expected to be put on hold over the next few days with swell predicted to drop through most of the week before picking up again on Friday. In the meantime, if you need a reminder as to why Pipeline is considered one of the most gnarly waves and home of the tour’s most prestigious competition, check out these epic wipeouts.
