For the first time since the epic and climatic 2003 finish at Pipeline between Kelly Slater and Andy Irons, the ASP has a real title race coming down the stretch.  Yet for some rather stupid reason, websites and blogs keep saying that Mick Fanning has overtaken Joel Parkinson in the overall standings.  What they fail to take into account is the fact that the two lowest contest scores are thrown out, hence the current standings listed by the ASP are flat-out wrong.  The standings become rather interesting once the ratings are adjusted.  The World Title race is a lot closer than people realize, and currently, Mick Fanning is NOT the current leader.

2009 adjusted ratings after the jump.

2009 Adjusted Ratings (Two Results Thrown Out)

1. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 5486 points
2. Mick Fanning (AUS) 5340 points
3. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 5138 points
4. Bede Durbidge (AUS) 4704 points
5. Kelly Slater (USA) 4694 points
6. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 4548 points
7. Taj Burrow (AUS) 4514 points
8. Bobby Martinez (USA) 4464 points
9. Taylor Knox (USA) 3996 points
10. Damien Hobgood (USA) 3974 points

Adjusted ratings courtesy of Transworld Surf, who for once has posted something interesting and relevant.