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Slater miffed at media frenzy and his retirement rumors

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 28 June, 2007 : - - With news being spread all over the world that eight-time World Champion Kelly Slater had retired from professional surfing, the world spun into a frenzy. But it seems that Slater hasn’t retired yet or is planning to do so anytime soon. Speaking exclusively to Australia’s Surfing Life magazine, the Floridian wasn’t sure what all the fuss was about.

“I have no idea why or who wrote this, where do they come up with this stuff?” Slater said. Slater was disappointed after losing his Round 4 heat against Australian Dean ‘Dingo’ Morrison in the Rip Curl Pro Search in Chile, and it was thought that this could have been his last professional surfing event.

“I surfed a good heat and lost and had to leave immediately to catch a flight.” He said. It is expected that Slater will head to J-Bay for the fifth event on the WCT calendar to improve his ratings as he currently sits in sixth position. Wayne ‘Rabbit’ Bartholomew, President of the ASP reiterated this morning that Slater has yet to hand in his notice.

“Everyone has to retire sooner or later. But this is based on pure speculation. As ASP are the governing body, we have received no notification from Kelly whatsoever. He can play his cards very tight to his chest. He could decide to qualify for next year and then retire or do it tomorrow, but at this stage he is still on tour,” He told the “The Big Sports Breakfast” radio show on 2KY.

“Some people think that there will be a big void with Kelly going, but there are a lot of young guys coming through that will qualify for the World Championship Tour like Dane Reynolds and Jordy Smith. They are considered the best young surfers in the world. “But in saying that, it will be tough for anyone to reach the recognition of Kelly, with him being the sports true superstar.”

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Cassandra Murnieks

Team - Surfersvillage