Pipeline Masters might conclude Tuesday; can Kelly Slater win again?

The Billabong Pipeline Masters will not resume today because of small surf, but a new swell in the forecast  might be sufficient for the culmination of the season-ending ASP World Tour competition, beginning with the quarterfinals, on Tuesday.

The contest has lost some of its luster since Australia's Mick Fanning clinched the world title on Saturday. But the Vans Triple Crown of Surfing series title, worth $50,000, is still on the line and a $50,000 "Triple Threat" bonus will go to the winner of the contest.

Here's a not-so-bold prediction: With Fanning and Joel Parkinson, who was second in the ratings, having been eliminated (Fanning clinched the title in the third round and was defeated in the fourth round), Kelly Slater, a nine-time world champion and last year's Pipeline Masters victor, will win the event for a record seventh time.

Here are the quarterfinal matchups:

-- Dean Morrison (AUS) vs. Damien Hobgood (USA)

-- Flynn Novak (HAW) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)

-- Bede Durbidge (AUS) vs. Taj Burrow (AUS)

-- C.J. Hobgood (USA) vs. Dane Reynolds (USA)

-- Pete Thomas

Photo: A magnificent view of the Banzai Pipeline, site of the Billabong Pipeline Masters. Credit: ASP / CI / Scholtz via Getty Images

Comments

[JP]

I hope Kelly wins.He was robbed at the Eddy,deserved to win that.