2006 Boost Mobile Pro of Surf Presented by Hurley

Speaking on the final Slater attributed poor tactics from him as being the catalyst for his loss, but in the scheme of the tour ratings he was happy to claim the result.

"The whole final went down to where I had priority and I let him go on the first wave of a set,” said Slater. “He got the 7.3 and had I got the 7.3, I would have been leading at that point. I would have actually been in the game.

“I’m happy to make the final,” said Slater. “I’ve looked at the points already. I know what the points are and where we stand. Realistically, Taj and I aren’t that far apart. One slip up by me and Taj can jump right past me. If both of us slip up, we can let Andy (Irons) right back in the door.

Finishing in equal third was Australia’s Dean Morrison who was a standout in the earlier rounds.

Unfortunately in the first semifinal Slater had his measure as he struggled to find a decent wave.

Morrison was still analyzing the situation and couldn’t see how he could have done any more to defeat the current ratings leader.