Another Kelly Slater-Andy Irons showdown in store at Pipeline?

The Billabong Pipeline Masters will not commence today, but could begin Tuesday as a northwest swell is expected to reach Oahu and fill in throughout the day.

It's the final ASP World Tour event of the season, and the last jewel of the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing.

And though it won't decide a world champion -- Kelly Slater clinched the title in early October -- it ought to provide compelling theater for those on hand at Pipeline or viewing the webcast.

Why? The hollow reef break, with its proximity to the beach, is compelling on any big day regardless of who is in the lineup. But this probably will shape up to be a tube-riding game of oneupmanship between Slater, either of the Irons brothers (Andy and Bruce) and a number of other Pipeline specialists.

It will mark the return of Slater, who has not competed since claiming his ninth world title in Spain, and Andy Irons, who skipped the last two World Tour contests after Slater spoiled the title race by winning early.

Both are favorites to reach the final. Irons won the Pipe Masters in 2002, 2003, 2005 and 2006. Only Slater has more victories -- five. If Irons can clinch the event title, he and Slater will share the record for the most victories at Pipeline.

"I took a break and came back to the North Shore to train and get my rhythm back," said Kauai's Irons, a three-time world champion who has slipped to No. 14 on the World Tour rankings. "The Pipe event has been in the back of my head for over a month now, and these past couple weeks of surfing and training have brought my confidence back to where it needs to be."

Slater has suffered from lack of desire at times, but never a lack of confidence. Here's hoping for an earthshaking swell and a climactic end to the season.

--Pete Thomas

Photo: Kelly Slater enjoys a view from the green room at Pipeline. Credit: Covered Images / Vans Triple Crown of Surfing