Kelly Slater has stunned with a monster barrel to steal a win in the final seconds of his round of 16 heat to keep alive hopes of an eighth Pipeline title.
The 11-time world champion, who celebrates his 50th birthday on February 11, managed to overcome wildcard local Barron Mamiya as the swell surged on Hawaii's famous North Shore break.
With five seconds to go in their showdown Slater pulled into a huge barrel and came out the other side with arm aloft, his 9.23-point ride enough to progress to the quarter-finals.
An emotional Slater embraced Mamiya on the beach before he turned his attention to his next challenge, against Kanoa Igarashi for a spot in the last four.
Rookie Callum Robson (10.97 points) was the sole Australian survivor in the final 16, beating compatriot Ethan Ewing (10 points) with a late wave of 4.87.
Robson will surf against Brazil's Caio Ibelli later on Wednesday (AEDT) for a spot in the final eight.
Owen Wright, Connor O'Leary, Jackson Baker and Pipeline specialist Jack Robinson were all eliminated earlier in the day in round of 32 action.
