Big dog Fanning still pulling shocks from bag
AUSTRALIA’S bid for a world surf title in 2017 might be in serious jeopardy but one old dog is showing he still has a trick or three up his sleeve with Mick Fanning back to his best in Europe – despite breaking two boards and receiving a major pummelling.
As American John John Florence and South African Jordy Smith sit in the box seat in the world title race, Fanning put on a head-turning display in a day of mixed results for Australians at Supertubos.
Owen Wright, winner of the opening round of the tour, bowed out of the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal at Supertubos in round two, effectively ending his bid for the 2017 crown.
“I’m really bummed about the result today and be out of the title race but I’ll brush it off and I feel like I’m well and truly caught up and got my health back,’’ said Wright who missed last season with a head injury.
Fanning ensured he would not face an early elimination with the biggest heat combo of the day thanks to a near-perfect ride on a barrel, a high fitness level and despite major equipment damage in his heat against local Frederico Morais and Brazilian Ian Gouveia.
“I had a look at my watch and there was still seven minutes to go after I broke my board so I thought I couldn’t really come in,” Fanning said.
“The run-around killed me, then the paddle out, and when I was almost out the back, that one landed on my head, broke my board and then I had another three or four on the head.
“But it was fun, I got down here to watch Parko (Joel Parkinson) and got all fired up to go out and get a win.”