Joel waves a finger at Kelly during the final of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast at Kirra.
After losing out on claiming his 12th world title on the final day of the 2012 ASP World Tour, Kelly Slater exacted his revenge on Joel Parkinson in their very next encounter, today in the final of the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast. The event decider turned into a barrel riding dual as Kelly and Joel traded off high scores on the long, racy cylinders Kirra became famous for.
One of the defining moments in the final came as Kelly used his priority to stop Joel from getting a score by dropping in on the current world champ, who was weaving deep inside another perfect Kirra pit while waving a rude hand gesture at Slater – A classic moment between two hardcore competitors that know what it takes to win events.
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Kelly Slater Wins Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast Over Joel Parkinson
At 41 years of age Kelly keeps re-writing the history books every event he wins. His victory at Kirra takes him one event closer to an unprecedented 12th world title.
KIRRA, Queensland/Australia (Wednesday, March 13, 2013) – Kelly Slater (USA), 41, 11-time ASP World Champion and 2012 ASP World Runner-Up, has claimed the 2013 Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover in firing three-to-five foot (1 – 1.5 metre) barrels at Kirra over reigning ASP World Champion Joel Parkinson (AUS), 31, in front of a capacity crowd on the Gold Coast.
Slater and Parkinson opened their 40-minute Final bout with a rapid-fire exchange of tube-riding displays, vaulting the lead back and forth before Slater nailed a 9.93 for an incredibly-deep barrel punctuated by a full-velocity forehand gaff.
“It was just fun today,” Slater said. “I really wanted to surf Kirra as I made known the other day and it was great fun out there. We thought the swell was going to be too East, but it’s really really good out there and to get to surf it with Joel (Parkinson) is icing on the cake. He’s one of the best and we had a lot of fun out there.”
Today win marks Slater’s 52nd elite tour victory of his career, but the iconic Floridian admits that it’s a long season ahead.
“They’re all important but it’s nice to get off to a good start,” Slater said. “The three top seeds, Joel, myself and Mick all finished in the top three spots and Michel (Bourez) had a great event too. Momentum shifts throughout each season and a lot can happen. It’s probably the most talented field that has ever been on tour and there’s nine more event. I’m committed to this season so let’s bring on the next one.”
Parkinson looked in unbeatable form on the final day of the event, collecting a Perfect 10 in his morning Semifinal before posting an excellent 17.47 in his Final against Slater.
“When Kirra is doing what it’s doing out there today, it doesn’t feel like an event,” Parkinson said. “I had some great waves and a lot of fun, and to get to do it with the singlet on is icing on the cake. I appreciate all the local support out here today and Runner-Up is a good start to the season. Bring on Bells.”
Kelly got the best of Joel in the final, which ended up being a barrel dual as Kirra delivered its magic.
Mick Fanning (AUS), 31, two-time ASP World Champion (2007, 2009), went down in a barrel shootout this morning with Slater. Despite opening up with an impressive scoreline and an early lead, the Kirra local would ultimately fall to Slater in the dying moments of the heat – 18.60 to 19.37.
“It’s a tough way to go out but you can’t be too upset when you put together a heat like that,” Fanning said. “I had a really good start and put in some solid scores. Kelly (Slater) just did his ‘Kelly Thing’ and got that incredible 10 and really put himself back in the hunt. Shame I couldn’t get to the Final with Joel (Parkinson), but it’s a good start to the year so I’ll refocus and get ready for Bells.”
Fanning collects an Equal 3rd place finish in the opening event of the season.
Michel Bourez (PYF), 27, opened up this morning’s action with a Semifinal bout against Parkinson. Despite being universally-celebrated as one of the most powerful surfers throughout the event, the Tahitian found himself at odds this morning after the Australian’s quick start to their clash.
“It was such a hard heat against Parko (Joel Parkinson),” Bourez said. “He’s a local and he got a 10 on his first wave. It was kind of embarrassing for me as I was waiting and sitting out there for too long and Joel was able to catch a lot of waves. It’s alright though. It’s my best result at this event. I feel great, my boards are going well and I can’t wait for Bells.”
The next stop on the 2013 ASP World Championship Tour (WCT) will be the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford from March 27 – April 7, 2013.
Highlights from the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast presented by Land Rover will be available via quiksilverlive.com
For more information, log onto ASPWorldTour.com
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST FINAL RESULTS:
1 – Kelly Slater (USA) 18.56
2 – Joel Parkinson (AUS) 17.47
QUIKSILVER PRO GOLD COAST SEMIFINAL RESULTS:
SF 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.17 def. Michel Bourez (PYF) 15.80
SF 2: Kelly Slater (USA) 19.37 def. Mick Fanning (AUS) 18.60
CURRENT ASP WCT TOP 5 (Following Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast):
1. Kelly Slater (USA) 10000 pts
2. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 8000 pts
3. Mick Fanning (AUS) 6500 pts
3. Michel Bourez (PYF) 6500 pts
5. Taj Burrow (AUS) 5200 pts
5. Julian Wilson (AUS) 5200 pts
5. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 5200 pts
5. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 5200 pts
