SURFING SOAPBOX:Slater could surf to eighth world title

As the ASP world tour heads to the coast of Spain for the ninth stop of the year for the Billabong pro — which will be held at the prestigious wave known as Mundaka — it is quite possible that the legendary and seven-time world champion Kelly Slater may claim his unprecedented eighth world title.

Two events remain after Spain, including Brazil and the season-ending finale at the infamous Banzi Pipeline. If Slater wins here in Spain, the world tour will be his. Judging from his past results, including a victory here in 2003, Slater has a very good chance of doing just that — after letting one title slip through his grasp in 2003 after failing to capitalize on a 900-point lead that year.

Let’s hope that Slater has learned from that mistake and is ready to close the door this year on his closest competitors, thus giving him the unprecedented number eight.

However, Slater again will be facing fierce competition, in the likes of current world number two-ranked surfer Taj Burrow and former three-time world champion Andy Irons, who many believe to be Slater’s closest rival.

Also looking strong for this event — and winners of two of the last three events — are Joel Parkinson and Mick Fanning, both of Australia. It should also be noted that former world No. 2 ranked surfer Luke Egan will come out of retirement for one event to defend his 2004 title here.

The Mundaka event was not held last year due to beach dredging that all but made the epic left-hander disappear.

And so it is a new year, and Slater will likely again be crowned world champion. However, it will most likely be at the next event. Then again, how can I bet against him?

Look for Slater to win Mundake and his eighth world title with two events remaining, putting his stamp on as the best-ever.

Peace.