FANNING HAS STILL GOT IT

MICK Fanning believes he still has what it takes to compete with the world’s best but is adamant his Bells Beach cameo is not a pointer to a tour comeback.

Three-time world champion Fanning retired from the World Surf League (WSL) tour in 2018, but has won a wildcard to compete at the Rip Curl Pro, where he will attempt to lift the famous Bells trophy for a fifth time.

“It’s a place that I cherish,” Fanning (pictured) said. “It is a spiritual place, especially with all the stories of the Wadawurrung people … and the amphitheatre style, it’s almost like our grand final running out there.” A businessman, philanthropist, father and recently, white knight to northern NSW flood victims, Fanning is as busy as ever. But he’s not counting himself out next week. “I think I still have some surfing where I can compete with those guys. I’m happy to dip my toe in and I’ll go and dry it off again,” he said.