Photographer: Kirstin Scholtz
Kelly Slater (US), 40, reigning 11-time ASP World Champion, claimed his 49th elite tour victory today, taking out the Volcom Fiji Pro over Gabriel Medina (BRA), 19, in pumping four-to-six foot (1.5 – 2 metre) surf at Cloudbreak, Fiji.
Slater wasted no time against his young opponent, grabbing an 8.33 and a 9.83 (out of a possible 10) in the opening half of the Final to put Medina on the ropes. The Brazilian, however, would not back down, claiming an 8.60 to put himself back in the hunt. While Slater would keep his scoreline to his two opening rides, it would prove enough in the end with the Floridian would scalping the win as well as his first man-on-man victory over Medina.
The Volcom Fiji Pro runs from 3 -15 June 2012.
