Slater’s injury gives other surfers a break

The big news on the Assn. of Surfing Professionals tour: In the first two events, the seven-time world champion (and my pick to win it again this year) was two for two.

Heading into the next event, at the infamous Teahupoo in Tahiti, Kelly Slater had a chance to make it three for three.

But after suffering a serious rib injury, he lost in the semifinals to Hawaiian Fred Pataccia.

The injury meant Slater had to withdraw form the Globe Pro, which is being held right now on the island of Tavarua, Fiji, in perfect 6- to 8-foot waves. Slater won this event last year on his way to a seventh world title.

So what does this all mean? There appears to be a small chink in Slater’s armor, giving the rest of the tour a chance to catch up.

Andy Irons, Bobby Martinez and Taj Burrows better capitalize in this Slater-less event if they are to mount any sort of charge for this year’s title.

Two things I expect to happen: Andy Irons will show what he’s made of in this event, with a semifinal finish or higher, and rookie Bobby Martinez will follow up his first WCT win with a quarterfinal finish or better, creating a tight three-way battle on the tour.

With eight events remaining, look for Slater to rejoin the tour next month in Mexico and show once again that he’s the man to beat this year.

Stay tuned for the results from the Globe Pro next week.

Till then, keep surfing.