FANTASY SURFER: Quiksilver Pro Japan Preview

Kelly Slater. Crunch time: The second half of the ASP tour. Scott Bass

As this year’s WCT season heats up there is no better time to be a fan of professional surfing. The Quiksilver Pro Japan, slated for August 31st to September 7th, will surely be a pivotal event in the hotly contested title race.

Japan, though typically a smaller surf venue, has increased chances of scoring good waves with a more contemporary “mobile” contest format, and a mid-typhoon season waiting period.

Be sure to pick your team and win the multimedia DVD package for this event. That's right, the top 3 FantasySurfer.com point getters for the Quiksilver Pro Japan will win a multimedia package containing the DVDs "Second Thoughts", "Stylemasters" and "Sea Level Pressure". Log on at FantasySurfer.com

People to Watch:

Kelly Slater: A previous event winner in Japan and current ratings leader, Kelly is a threat in any conditions. A recent win at J-Bay, his third contest win of the year, could give him the momentum needed for a seventh World Title push.

Andy Irons: Three-time World Champ and current 2nd Place ratings holder. Staggering heat statistics and a good history in Japan make Andy a favorite for sure.

Mick Fanning: Though injured for last year’s event, Mick has taken the Tour by storm this year, winning two events. Poised in 4th Place, this event could be the perfect showcase for him to translate his overwhelming talent into a huge ratings jump.

C.J. Hobgood: Last year’s event winner, and currently ranked 9th, Hobgood is hungry and can’t be discounted in his quest for a second World Title. Look for Hobgood to use this event to stage a midseason comeback.

Joel Parkinson: With a runner-up finish last year in Japan, Parko is looking for vindication. A win would mean some serious comeback points to help bridge the 1,600-point gap between him and Slater.

Trent Munro: Munro has been having the season of his life thus far, currently sitting in 3rd Place. A WCT victory this year on Phillip Island at the Bells event, along with previous wins in Japan and Brazil, attest to his small-wave prowess.

Will Kelly be able to hold on to his ratings lead against an accelerating Andy Irons? Can Trent Munro maintain his strong 3rd Place, or even pull an upset to further his stellar season thus far? Or will a dark horse small-wave wizard utilize the beachbreak at Hebara Beach in Katsuura, Chiba, Japan, to gain some valuable ratings points midseason? With $270,000 in prize money at stake, we will find out starting August 31st.

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