Taj Burrow ends career in World Surf League ‘heat of the year’ against John John Florence at Cloudbreak

IF the curtain had to come down on Taj Burrow’s career this is how he wanted it to be — deep in the throat of the barrel on his favourite wave in Fiji.

Taj Burrow surfs his final event on the world tour at Cloudbreak, Fiji, going down to John John Florence. PHOTO: WSL/ Sloane

IF the curtain had to come down on Taj Burrow’s career this is how he wanted it to be — deep in the throat of the barrel on his favourite wave in Fiji.

Western Australia’s old man of the sea lost to rising star John John Florence in the Fiji Open, the event he had declared would be his last on the world tour.

Burrow, 38, surfed one of the heats of his life against Florence at Cloudbreak in Fiji, with his top two waves both above nine for a combined score of 18.6 out of a possible 20.

Florence though was up to the challenge and registered two scores of his own over nine to pip Burrow 18.76-18.6 and end the Aussie’s career.

While the loss in the knockout Round 3 ended Burrow’s run, he was far from disappointed. “That was one of the best heats of my life,” Burrow said.

“I just went out there with a goal of getting a sick one, I just went out there and wanted to get barrelled.

“I wasn’t too concerned about the result, I just wanted to get a good wave.

“I could not have picked a better way to finish my last event ever.

“The waves were exactly how I’d want them and exactly who I’d want to surf against in those types of waves — someone who will push me to be my best.

“This has been the best 12 days of my life and everything fell into place so perfectly.

“I feel like I won the event and the world title, I am so happy.’’

Burrow was quickly surrounded by his fellow surfers, many of whom sat in the line-up on their boards waiting to congratulate him on his ­career.

Florence was quick to laud Burrow after what commentators were calling the World Surf League’s best heat of the year.

“That was one of the best heats of my life and to have it with Taj (Burrow) before he leaves the Tour is one of the coolest things ever,” Florence said.

“It is so special to surf against Taj with everything he has contributed to surfing.

“Since I was a little kid, I’ve been watching him do airs and watching him win events.’’

Mick Fanning beat Adam Melling to advance to Round 4 today where he will face Josh Kerr and Jadson Andre.

Fanning, who competed in the heat before Burrow, sat in the channel after his heat to watch his mate surf after the athletes spent five consecutive lay days waiting for the swell to arrive.

“It’s been a long wait but the surf is pumping today,” Fanning said.

“It’s great to see Cloudbreak turn on again and get a few waves. Fortunately, I found the rhythm in that exchange.”

Byron Bay’s WSL ratings leader Matt Wilkinson also advanced to Round 4 after beating Brazil’s Alejo Muniz despite trailing for most of the heat, while Kelly Slater ­finally found his groove this year to eliminate Jordy Smith. Wilkinson can extend his tour ratings lead today with only three other surfers ranked in the world’s current 10 left in the draw.

The swell is forecast to stay friendly today and tomorrow in time for the event finish.