Rip Curl Pro: Mick Fanning farewell tour hits Bells Beach as legend looks to go out big winner
HE made a mistake, slapped his head in frustration, called himself an “idiot” and then did what Mick Fanning does best — fought for survival.
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UPDATE: HE made a mistake, slapped his head in frustration, called himself an “idiot” and then did what Mick Fanning does best — fought for survival.
This time it wasn’t against a shark but to keep alive the prospect of a dream finish to an astounding career.
The man who punched a shark in 2015 confirmed that even if he does win the Rip Curl Pro — and potentially secure the world No.1 ranking — his decision to retire will stand.
In fact he laughed at a suggestion he might surf on.
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“Oh no,” said Fanning, whose last world tour win was at the J-Bay Open in 2016. “No.”
Fanning’s title bid gained momentum at Winkipop on Tuesday when he came from behind to win his three-man battle with American Pat Gudauskas and former Rip Curl Pro winner and mate Matt Wilkinson.
With only the top two surfers advancing, Fanning made a mistake in giving Wilkinson a wave which saw him move into second place.
But with his back against the wall, Fanning produced a ride which saw him vault over both Wilkinson and Gudauskas to advance to a quarter-final match against Aussie Owen Wright, hopefully on Wednesday.
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With Wilkinson’s exit, Fanning is now the only former winner still surfing at the Rip Curl Pro which enters its seventh day on Wednesday.
“That’s really weird. I don’t know. There’s a lot of surfing to do,” Fanning’s said.
“I’m not really worried about it. I’m just stoked to be in heats with people I like.”
There is still a chance Fanning can end his extraordinary 16-year world tour career with the world No.1 ranking.
But win or lose, the 36-year-old says he is looking forward to life after the world tour.
“I can’t wait to wake up to no schedule,” he said when asked what he was most looking forward to post retirement.
“I’m really excited to move forward. I have the luxury of choice.”
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While Fanning will surf on - searching for “special moments” around the globe - he will not compete again after this event.
After world titles in 2007, 2009 and 2013, 20 plus world tour victories and one of the most impressive records in the game, he says the hunger for one-on-one heat combat has gone.