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Kelly Slater ruled out of Rio Pro

Xinhua, May 9, 2017 Adjust font size:

Eleven-time world champion Kelly Slater has withdrawn from the Rio Pro due to a back injury, event organizers said on Monday.

The 45-year-old American said he will receive treatment in Australia and set no date for a comeback.

"I have been working through some injuries the past several seasons and, unfortunately, I need to take some time off to mend my body," Slater said in a statement.

"I won't be in Rio and I don't know how long I'll need. My lower back has been in constant pain for the last three years and although I've been able to fight through it with short stints of rehab, it hasn't fixed the problem. If I don't do this now, at some point, I'll ruin my body.

"I'm spending the next five weeks rehabilitating with WSL Doctors in Australia and we'll see how I feel after that. I'm hopeful that I will be in top form again this season at some point. Thanks everyone for the support."

The Rio Pro at Saquarema, around 100km east of Rio de Janeiro, is the fourth round of the World Surf League tour. The event is scheduled to begin on Tuesday and end on May 20.

Reigning world champion and last year's Rio pro winner, John John Florence of Hawaii, leads the current standings ahead of South Africa's Jordy Smith, with Owen Wright of Australia third.

"It's great to be back in Brazil," Florence said. "I always have fun here. There are tons of waves. It's where I won my first CT. Great to be at a new venue this season and looking forward to competing at Saquarema."

Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore currently leads the women's competition ahead of compatriots Sally Fitzgibbons and Tyler Wright. Endit