Mick Fanning on track to claim fifth Bells title after cruising into third round

MICK Fanning enjoyed the perfect start in his bid for a record fifth Bells title, cruising into the third round at his “second home” on the Victorian coast.

Bells Rip Curl Pro Day 2 Mick Fanning on his way to winning his Round 1 heat. Picture: Jason Sammon Friday 25 March 2016

MICK Fanning enjoyed the perfect start in his bid for a record fifth Bells title, cruising into the third round.

It was a result which has Fanning’s fans dreaming of a fairytale finish to his world tour season - the surfer ringing the famous bell for an historic fifth time.

Fanning, who will take a time out from the world tour after the Rip Curl Pro and may not return to surf again this season, said he feels at home at the Victorian surfing spot he and other surfers often describe as the spiritual home of their sport in Australia.

Mick Fanning carving up in his heat at Bells. Picture: Jason Sammon

“I feel comfortable here. It’s like a second home to me,’’ he said.

“When you are out there and look back and see those cliffs its quite meaningful and emotional.

“This is a special event but it’s also a very special event. I don’t want to think too far ahead.’’

In his first outing of the Rip Curl Pro, Fanning defeated Hawaiians Keanu Asing and event wildcard Mason Ho.

“I am still feeling free and relaxed and just approaching it a bit different. It’s calmer down here at Bells. You can get some more quiet time, where at home it’s pretty hectic.”

Also advancing into round three was world champion Adriano De Souza of Brazil who downed trials winner Tim Stevenson and Michel Bourez.

“Everyone was excited about how well Stevenson performed in that heat, so I am happy to make this heat,” De Souza said.

“It was important for me to go straight to round three. We had a tough heat as waves disappeared and the tide was coming in, and I am lucky to have found the wave right before the buzzer.”

Former world champion Gabriel Medina was another first-up winner as was Julian Wilson in an all-Australian heat. Wilson beat talented injury replacement Stuart Kennedy, who turned heads at the Quiksilver Pro Gold Coast, and Adam Melling.

When competition resumes 11-time world champion Kelly Slater will take on Australian Kai Otton and Brazilian Alex Ribeiro.

When the women’s competition resumes the likes of Stephanie Gilmore and Sally Fitzgibbons will fight for survival in round two.

Originally published as Mick Fanning on track to claim fifth Bells title after cruising into third round