With the last event of the year currently underway at the infamous Banzai Pipeline in Hawaii, we are again in the midst of a world title showdown.
Last year we saw Joel Parkinson claim his first title over the 11 time world Kelly Slater. This year we again see Kelly up against an Aussie, with Mick Fanning looking to join an elite class with his third surfing crown.
With the waiting period underway and an epic eight to 10 foot swell looking to hit on the weekend, it’s shaping up as the perfect end to the 2013 ASP World Tour.
The scenario is Mick needs to make it to the semi-finals to give Kelly no chance of winning. If Mick can’t make the semis, Kelly needs to win the whole event to claim his 12th title.
It’s a difficult task but if anyone can pull a rabbit out of the hat we know its Kelly. He has done it before and has also been on the receiving end – remember that amazing showdown with the late Andy Irons in 2003?
Kelly not only has to win the event but he also has to beat the likes of last year’s champ Parko and Pipeline prodigy John John Florence.
Pipeline has such a rich history, provides a spectacular ending to the season finale and provides an opportunity for the locals to showcase what they do best in what is regarded as the best wave in the world.
It’s this stadium type finish on the world’s best platform that continues to push competitive surfing to bigger and better things.
Where would the sport be without Kelly Slater, who at 42 surfs better than arguably everyone on tour and is regarded as the best surfer in the world?
Kelly has indicated he may quit the tour after this year. What kind of impact will this have and will the younger crew coming through step up and take on the challenge?
Only time will tell so now might be the best time to enjoy watching Kelly in the Pipeline line-up.
What makes Pipeline so exciting is not only are the competitors fighting to win but they are also fighting to stay on tour next year.
With so many scenarios and opportunities for surfers to claim places and knock people off tour there is a lot at stake.
With so much on the line we are likely to see lots of charging as the final day of the event wraps up on the weekend.
The Aussie crew has their fingers crossed for Mick, hoping he can bring another title downunder. Kelly is king and he might be able to add another crown by the end of the week to add to that ever growing trophy cabinet.
One thing we know is that it is going to be an epic finish, with classic Pipeline conditions forecasted.
Who do you think is going to take the crown and be the 2013 ASP World Tour Champion?
Sprigs
Guest
Well-deserved victory for Mick! Fans the world over will be pleased that his victory seemed to help spur on Kelly Slater, to compete again next year. He deserved his Pipeline Masters victory too. What a day for professional surfing.
Australian Rules
Guest
Perfect script to end the Tour year...a showdown at Pipe. Mick's preparation has been pretty thorough in Hawaii, though he hasn't exactly shone in the other events yet. Imagine Mick v Kelly in a 10ft final...wowsers.
Infamous
Guest
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Infamous
Guest
I'm really going for Mick, but this whole situation, with the bombing swell forecast included, is starting to look like one of those special Slater scenarios. It might be the last special thing we see competitively from King Kelly, so I'm just gonna sit back and enjoy this one. Last year I was really backing Parko and got so wound up as each round progressed, just willing Parko to win his title, there was so much tension and excitement, I hope this years final day can recreate a bit of that. I think John John Florence is going to have a big influence on the title race. He's the best Pipe surfer now, especially if it's bombing and he's on Mick's side of the draw so could effectively stop Mick in his tracks and go on to the Final to deny Kelly the title. The triple crown race is also shaping up to be interesting with 5 surveys still alive in the race going into the final day. Bring it on! -- Comment left via The Roar's iPhone app. Download The Roar's iPhone App in the App Store here.