Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast

Eight-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) is once again World No. 1 after beating Reigning ASP World Champion Mick Fanning (AUS) at his home break of Snapper Rocks.

Slater has hinted that he will compete on the 2008 ASP World Tour selectively and has gone so far as to say he won’t surf the next event in Bells Beach.

He made similar statements in early 2006, but after winning the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper, decided to go to Bells anyway. Slater’s wins didn’t come easily today. He had to beat 3X ASP World Champion Andy Irons (HAW) in the Quarters and 2007 Rookie of the Year Jeremy Flores (FRA) in the Semis prior to his heat with Fanning today. It’s good to win a contest, but to beat the top guys to get there is even better.” Kelly Slater said.

Jérémy Florès produced an impressive display to make it as far as the semi-finals. Up against Kelly Slater, the Frenchmen led for much of the contest, but was eventually edged out by the American (15.17 vs 15.47 points). "3rd place is a good result going into the next event, and losing to Kelly is hardly a disgrace! I'm happy with the way I've started the season." said Jérémy after his series. Named "Rookie of the Year" and ranked 8th in the world in 2007, the Frenchman has shown he is already one of the planet's top surfers and has big hopes for his second year on the elite tour.

Miky Picon (FRA), who bested Andy Irons (HAW) in Round 1 before losing to highscorer of the event Taj Burrow in Round 3, got an equal 17th place finish. 2008 ASP World Tour rookie Aritz Aranburu (EUK) had to pull out of the event after Round 1, due to a broken meniscus and over-extended knee ligaments that will keep him out of water for 6 weeks

Von: Katrin Hübner / Andrea Lakeberg