Kelly Slater claims the 2008 Billabong Pipeline Masters

Nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) has won the Billabong Pipeline Masters a record sixth time today. The victory is Slater's sixth of the 11 event 2008 ASP World Tour season.

"It's inexplicable," Slater said of his win and banner season. "I'm just stoked. I wasn't even worried about surfing the event, so to surf it and win and get that board (a Gerry Lopez designed surfboard trophy). I'll cherish that for sure."  Slater has made the Pipeline Masters final 10 out of the 17 times he has entered the event winning in 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1999 and again today. His 2008 win comes nine years after he last clinched the Pipeline crown in ‘99.

"My season is all about nines," Slater said. "Winning this event nine years later, I needed a 9th in the ninth event of the year to win my 9th ASP World title, it's crazy."

Slater paddled out in eight to 10 foot waves at Pipeline four times today, beating Chris Ward (USA) 14.00 to 7.23 in the in the first man-on-man final* held at the venue in eight years. Slater's heat totals in the three heats prior to the final were 19.00, 18.63 and 19.40 – all out of a possible 20 points.

"It was disappointing that the waves didn't really turn on for us in the final," Slater said. "That's what we are here for, to put on a show for people – at least give them some big wipeouts or something. In the final there weren't too many waves, but I picked the right ones. It's about time Wardo had a result like this though. He is one of the best barrel riders in the world."

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