Kauai’s Andy Irons was eliminated in the quarterfinals of today’s contest.

Florida’s Kelly Slater moved another step closer to an unprecedented ninth world title today by winning the Billabong Pro J-Bay men’s surfing contest.

Slater beat reigning world champion Mick Fanning of Australia in the final for his 38th career world tour victory.

The final day of the contest was run in 4- to 6-foot waves at Jeffreys Bay, South Africa.

The Billabong Pro is the fifth of 11 stops on the 2008 World Championship Tour. Slater has won four of the first five events this year, and holds a commanding lead in the overall ratings.

“I didn’t realize I was going to be overwhelmed by it, but I haven’t been in this position before, at this point of the year, with this many wins,” Slater said. “There are great things going on in my life so I’m just trying to soak it up and be appreciative.”

Slater beat Fanning, 16.73-9.4, in today’s final.

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(Source: Honolulu Advertiser)