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If anyone doubted that Joel Parkinson had made a recovery from his severe foot injury this year watching his opening round at the Reef Pro Wednesday should put their concerns to rest. His return debut in big Haliewa was nothing short of spectacular.
More speculation surrounds the outcome of the Billabong Pipe Masters than the Hollywood Oscars - or any other event on the ASP World Tour circuit for that matter.
When it comes to seeking the crown at Pipeline it is best to consider getting on the good side of the Queen. Waimea may be the king and Sunset the Grand-Duke, but the lady Pipe wields a glass axe that can snap a board or smash a surfer.
"The pundits are correct (it's absolutely mine to lose at this point)," Slater said. "I'm in as good a position as I could hope for coming out of Portugal with Jordy (Smith) finishing well there."
Former ASP Dream Tour veteran Dayyan Neve (North Steyne, AUS), 32, igniting the event's top scores in firing three-to-five foot ( 1.5 metre) waves at Steamer Lane.