Supertubos, Peniche/Portugal (Thursday, October 14, 2010) – South Africa’s Jordy Smith finished runner up to former nine-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 38, in a matchup between the current ASP World Nos. 1 and 2 in the Rip Curl Pro Portugal today.

Slater led throughout the 35 minute final held in 1 – 1.5 metre waves at Supertubos in Peniche, locking in two mid-range scores early and then posting a 7.0 out of 10. Despite fighting back with the heat’s highest ride of 7.10, Smith could not find the waves he needed to perform his high scoring aerial manoeuvres and Slater wrapped up his 44th ASP World Tour victory with a 6.33 with 4 minutes remaining.

"It was actually a pretty slow final with neither of us getting any waves of consequence," Slater said on the podium. "I was trying to stay busy but neither of us could get a solid wave. I actually nearly ended up reaching my wave maximum (15 rides) out there so I kind of had to slow down and try to wait for waves that mattered. Jordy (Smith) has all the talent in the world and he's capable of getting a score at any time. It wasn't over until the horn blew."

Smith fought valiantly throughout the final, posting the highest single-wave score for a backhand Superman air, but was unable to find a worthy backup score.

"I guess I felt a little out of rhythm in the final," Smith said. "I was able to notch up one good one, but couldn't find a backup. That's the way it goes sometimes. I'm still happy with the result and the way my year has gone so I'm just staying positive and we'll see how we end up."

The victory moves Slater one step closer to clinching an unprecedented 10th ASP World Title and the iconic Floridian now has a strong possibility of doing so in the next event.

"It's obviously a very big deal for me," Slater said. "If it happens, it will be a major accomplishment for me in my life. Today's win puts me another step closer and we'll see what happens in Puerto Rico."

While Smith is now the only surfer on the ASP World Tour who can prevent Slater from achieving this historical milestone, the 22 year-old Durbanite needs a minimum of a semifinal finish at the next event to extend the ASP World Title Race to the final event in Hawaii in December. And if Slater reaches the semifinals or better in Puerto Rico he will clinch the crown no matter where Smith finishes.

"I was stoked to be in the Final with Kelly (Slater) and I'm stoked to be in the race still with him," Smith said philosophically about the remainder of the season. "He's someone I've looked up to my whole life and it's an honour to be up there in the rankings next to him. I'm looking forward to the next event and hope we get some more fun wedges."

Smith had a stellar run on his way to his third final this season, winning his opening encounter, defeating Dean Morrison (AUS) in Round 3 and winning his Round 4 duel over Owen Wright (AUS) and Jadson Andre (BRA) with the highest scores of yesterday's action.

Today he ousted Patrick Gudauskas (USA) in the quarters and then outpointed Jeremy Flores (FRA) in their semi clash. He pocketed US $30 000 for his runner-up finish, taking his season prize-money haul to $156 000. Smith also earned 8 000 points which leaves him 9 250 behind Slater and 8 500 ahead of third ranked Mick Fanning (AUS), the reigning ASP World Champion.

Fellow South African Travis Logie finished 9th in Portugal, matching his best result of the year and providing the two biggest upsets of the event by ousting Fanning in Round 3 and Dane Reynolds (USA) in Round 2.

The result moves Logie up from No. 34 to No. 29 on the ASP World Title Race Rankings, boosting his chances of finishing the year amongst the top 22 on the rankings and requalifying for the 2011 ASP World Tour.

Highlights from the Rip Curl Pro Portugal will be available via http://live.ripcurl.com

The next stop on the 2010 ASP World Tour will be the Rip Curl Pro Search in Puerto Rico from October 30 through November 10, 2010.

For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

Submitted: 14 October 2010