The 44-year-old headed into the final in scintillating form after scoring two perfect 10’s in his round five heat win.

Hawaii’s John John Florence was no match for the veteran in the final as Slater put on a clinic of spectacular tube riding to notch a two wave total of 19.67 (out of 20) with rides of 9.77 and 9.90.

Florence had no answer to the legend’s masterclass, producing 15.23 to be well beaten in the six-foot perfection.

Slater now sits in eighth place in the race for the world title.