It’s extremely uncharacteristic of Kelly, but he’s had sort of a shocker this year. The last time he was sitting any worse than a 9th place was back in 1991. It’s been weird seeing him all the way down the rankings, hasn’t it? Kelly’s voiced his frustration with his performance in several different interviews this year, but in his Round 2 matchup with wildcard, Jay Davies, Kelly put on the type of performance we’re all so used to seeing: the performance of an untouchable 11-time World Champion.
With 13 minutes remaining, Kelly pulled under easily one of the heaviest sets of the day, driving through several impossible chandelier sections, spanking the lip and pulling into yet another barrel. The judges awarded a 9.93, reminding everyone that, despite 43 years of age, Kelly Slater is still the greatest surfer out at Fiji—or anywhere else for that matter. Period.
