Seems like Kelly Slater wins every world title- then it's everyone else scrapping for 2nd place. Don't get me wrong- Kellly is the best ever- but I pine for the days when Andy Irons would give Kelly a run for his money. Now that Kelly has hit his 40's, he's not slowing down but the aura of invincibility is slipping and others are finding chinks in his armor. Like Mick 'White Lightening' Fanning or Joel 'Parko' (not as exciting as a nickname as White Lightening) Parkinon. Heading into the final event of the season, Parko holds a slim lead over Kelly and Mick. These three surfers remain mathematically in contention for the 2012 ASP World Title. Due to the altered format for the final event- the Billabong Pipe Masters, all three surfers will automatically be seeded into Round 3 of competition and finish no worse than Equal 13th (1750 points). As Parkinson is the current rankings leader on the ASP WCT, the following world title scenarios from the ASP's website show the potential scenarios for Joel:
- If Parkinson finishes 13th, 9th or 5th at the Billabong Pipe Masters: - Slater needs a 5th or higher to take the 2012 ASP World Title. - Fanning needs to win at Pipeline to take the 2012 ASP World Title.* *Contingent upon Slater finishing 5th or Lower at Pipeline.
- If Parkinson finishes Equal 3rd at the Billabong Pipe Masters: - Slater needs a 3rd or higher to take the 2012 ASP World Title. - Fanning needs to win at Pipeline to take the 2012 ASP World Title.* *Contingent upon Slater finishing 5th or Lower at Pipeline.
- If Parkinson finishes 2nd at the Billabong Pipe Masters: - Slater needs to win at Pipeline to take the 2012 ASP World Title. - Fanning cannot win the 2012 ASP World Title. If Parkinson wins the Billabong Pipe Masters, he will take the 2012 ASP World Title.
