Mystery surrounding the future of eight-time world surfing champion Kelly Slater will again be a talking point heading into the 2008 season starting on the Gold Coast next week.

But even if the 36-year-old American superstar decided to call it quits, Gold Coast teenage sensation Adam Durrant can at least boast a victory over the “King”.

Durrant defeated a rusty Slater in the non-elimination round one of the Quiksilver Pro at Snapper Rocks last year before the master crushed the apprentice in the knockout third round in barrelling two-metre waves.

“It was pretty cool to beat Kelly at least once,” said the 16-year-old former world junior champion.

“I’m sure he won’t be around for much longer and to get one over him with all my family there watching at Snapper was a bonus.”

As one of two surfers awarded wildcards into the 2008 event on the Gold Coast starting on Saturday week – the other is Tahitian charger Julian Wilson – there’s every chance Durrant will be pitted against Slater again.

Wilson also holds a healthy respect for Slater but has no fear of the world No.3, whom he eliminated from the Quiksilver Pro in France last year.

The focus of attention, though, will be firmly directed toward Australia’s Mick Fanning, who will start off the defence of his world crown at his home break.

Fanning is excited about the next generation of elite surfers, including South Africa’s Jordy Smith and Californian Dane Reynolds, who will debut on the dream tour this year.

“I think they are both amazing surfers and to have them on tour will be insane,” Fanning said.

“It’s exciting for the sport. Those guys can do things I can’t even think of doing.

“Those two kids (Smith and Reynolds) and Adam Durrant are going to take surfing to a whole new level.”

Smith, 20, qualified for the tour by winning the World Qualifying Series (WQS) by a record margin while Reynolds, 22, finished runner-up.

Sixteen surfers will compete for the final wildcard at Snapper Rocks next Friday.

Local surfer Dale Richards will be back following his historic trials victory last year when he became the first Aboriginal to contest an elite men’s world tour event.

The $US320,000 ($A355,000) Quiksilver Pro will be held in conjunction with the women’s Roxy Pro.

The waiting period runs from Saturday, February 23 to Wednesday, March 5.

Resource Box: Adam Durrant takes lead of champ