Slater Advances in Japan Surfing Championships

Kelly Slater of Huntington Beach advanced to the fourth round of the Miyazaki (Japan) Pro surfing championships Friday with a victory over Hans Hedemann.

Slater, the current world tour points leader, defeated Hedemann, 20.49-15.5, in the third round and will meet Tony Ray in today’s fourth round.

Slater’s lead in the overall standings was helped Friday when second-ranked Shane Herring and third-ranked Damien Hardman suffered third-round upsets.

San Clemente’s Dino Andino was the only Orange County surfer to reach the fourth round. Laguna Beach’s Jeff Booth and Newport Beach’s Richie Collins were eliminated in the third round.