Surfing: Title in sight for Slater

Kelly Slater took a big step closer to an unprecedented seventh world surfing title after pipping Australia's Phillip MacDonald at Trestles, California, yesterday.

It was the American's fourth win from eight rounds on the world championship tour this season and he can wrap up the title with three events still to go if he wins again at next week's Quiksilver Pro tournament in France.

Slater leads the championship with 7574 points from fellow American Andy Irons, with 6528, and Australian Mick Fanning, who has 5838.