Surfing legend Kelly Slater boosted his hopes of a 12th world title after claiming victory at the Quiksilver Pro in France on Friday.

The American prevailed in the final over countryman Dane Reynolds in one-metre waves at La Graviere to claim back-to-back event wins after also taking out the Hurley Pro at Lower Trestles, California last month.

The result ensured Slater moved up into second in the tour rankings behind Australian Joel Parkinson, who lost to the American in the semi-finals.

Australian Mick Fanning, who led the rankings coming into the event, drops to third with three events to go.

With conditions slowing, Slater wasted little time in the final, collecting wave scores of 7.93 and 9.33 in the opening 10 minutes.

And wildcard Reynolds could not reel him back in as Slater prevailed 17.26 to 14.00 to claim his first win in France in two decades.

Slater said his 12.27 to 10.93 semi-final win over Parkinson was crucial in the title race.

"If I couldn't get past Parko today, it would have put a lot of pressure on me," he said.

"But this has now put the pressure back on Mick (Fanning) because Parko, (Fourth placed Hawaiian) John John Florence and I did well here at this event."

Parkinson now controls the title race with 46,200 points from Slater (45,450) and Fanning (43,000) but the Australian is not looking beyond next week's Rip Curl Pro.

"I can't wait for Portugal," Parkinson said.

"It would be nice to get a win over there as the race is shaping up to come down to the end.

"Hopefully, if the waves are anything like this, it will be another amazing event."