Kelly Slater is just one heat win away from claiming his ninth world surfing title after making a successful start to the Billabong Pro Mundaka in Spain.
Slater has progressed straight to round three after easily accounting for fellow American Taylor Knox and Brit Reubyn Ash in his opening heat.
Slater's heat total was the second highest of the day and the only way he can be denied another crown is if he fails to advance past round three and Australia's world No.2 Taj Burrow wins the event.
