Kelly Slater, into the Quarters at Pipe, Hawaii

The big guns were finally drawn at Pipeline. Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning hit the water in round three, with Mick fending off what could’ve been a real threat in Kaimana Jaquias, and Kelly swooping past new world tour surfer Mitch Crews with relative ease (and a 17.66 combined total).

The following round was when it got even more interesting. Just to remind, Kelly must win this event with Mick Fanning scooping a third or worse, if he is to take the world title. In heat two, Mick Fanning couldn’t hold off John John Florence. He must now fight his way through round five. Kelly, however, stormed past Seabass and Miggie Pupo with a 17.56 total, bouncing over round five straight into the quarters.

The first heat of round five, which will be the first heat of the day when competition resumes and stars Mick Fanning against CJ Hobgood, could decide the 2013 World Title. Do. Not. Miss.