Kelly Slater labelled Owen Wright his greatest threat to an 11th world title after the Australian won the Quiksilver Pro New York to collect the largest cheque ever offered by the Association of Surfing Professionals - US$300,000.
"Owen is the guy I'm keeping an eye on for the rest ofthe year," Slater said after Wright beat him by 17.9 points to 14.53. "He's my biggest threat, I've got no doubt about that now. I look at the schedule and the next few events, all those waves suit the way he surfs.
"Owen is such a pro. He capitalised on the mistakes I made in the final.
"It was only a matter of time before he started winning and the confidence he gets from breaking through here will make him dangerous. He's the one I'm worried about."
Wright leapt to second on the world ratings after trumping Slater in ideal waves at National Boulevard Beach.
Slater had snatched last-gasp victories over Australians Josh Kerr and Taj Burrow in consecutive heats to reach the final, edging past Burrow with a perfect 10-point ride with just 56 seconds remaining.
"Somebody's got to do it," Wright said when asked if he was the man to bring down Slater this year. "Kelly has always been such a massive inspiration to me. He brings out the best in me. I want to keep surfing against him, I want to go toe-to-toe. He takes me to another level.
"Why not be in the world title race? Why not believe I can beat him? That's why I'm here. Dad put it to me best. He said you can be 50th in the world or you can really have a go and try to be No 1. I'm having a go."
The next event is at Trestles, California, in a fortnight.
"I'm sitting in a good spot on the rankings and I'll keep this rolling along," Wright said. "I'd just love to win a world title. Kelly beat me in the final in Tahiti last month so to get one back on him feels so good. I'm just relishing this moment. It's the best feeling, winning my first event, and hopefully I get addicted to it.
"The first thought I had when the hooter went off was for my family. They're all back home watching and I know they'd be so pumped. "
Slater's second place extended his lead in the world title race to 3050 points. Five events remain in this year's world championship race.
