Kelly Slater has officially been crowned surfing world
champion for a history-making 11th time after winning his
round four heat at the Rip Curl Search event in San
Francisco.
Slater beat Brazilian teen duo Gabriel Medina and Miguel Pupo
in convincing style with a total wave score of 17.17 out of a
possible 20.
After being prematurely awarded the world title on Wednesday
due to a mathematical error in the rankings calculations,
Slater had to win just one more heat to officially clinch the
title.
The American has made history after winning his first world
title in 1992 to become the youngest world champion at
20-years-old and now becoming the oldest at 39.
Slater posted wave scores of 9.10 and 8.07 to beat Brazilian
young guns Medina, 17, and Pupo, 19, whose combined ages are
less than the surfing legend's.
"It was confirmed the other day, but we're sure now," Slater
said.
"I'm stoked. I was upset about it, but I also thought it was
really funny.
"There are no hard feelings towards ASP (Association of
Surfing Professionals) and mistakes happen."
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.