Surfer Mick Fanning loses world title race in emotional battle at Pipe Masters

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Australian surfer Mick Fanning has lost his bid for a fourth world title after a courageous battle at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii, a day after learning that his oldest brother had died suddenly on the Gold Coast.

The 34-year-old said he had been almost in tears every time he walked down to the famed Pipeline break to compete in the world championship event on the North Shore, thinking about Peter, 43.

Despite the obvious emotional toll, Fanning remained intensely focused before the semi-final and vowed to continue his world title quest, saying it was what Peter would have wanted him to do.

However Fanning, who held surfing's No.1 ranking as he headed into the penultimate World Surf League event, was knocked out of the Pipe Masters in his semi-final against Gabriel Medina.

Mick Fanning at the Pipe Masters in Hawaii.Credit: Fox

His world title quest then rested on the outcome of the other semi-final, between Adriano De Souza and local rider Mason Ho.

De Souza won the semi-final under intense pressure, delivering the Brazilian his first world title and relegating Fanning to second. He also went on to win the Pipe Masters event.

Fanning had been in front for most of his semi-final, until Medina snatched the lead with two minutes to go with a remarkable aerial 360-degree rotation.

In his speech after winning the title, De Souza paid tribute to Fanning, who he described as a "true champion" and "the most strong man I have met my whole life".

He said Fanning had been a fierce and focussed competitor despite the personal problems he was facing. "For me it was a big learning curve to watch," De Souza said of Fanning.

"I wish so much to give a hug to Mick's mum, but it's kind of scary as we are in a world title race and I didn't want to mix it up."

The dramatic day capped an extraordinary year for Fanning, who in July was knocked off his surfboard by a shark while competing in the final of South Africa's J-Bay Open in a terrifying encounter that was broadcast on live television.

Earlier in the day, before De Souza clinched the world title, Fanning addressed the pressure that was on him following his brother's death.

"The energy has been amazing, walking down almost in tears every time I'm coming down," Fanning said.

"A friend told me once we can deal with anything. Stay true to yourself and things will happen."

The reporter's voice cracked as she concluded the interview.

Another of Fanning's older brothers, Sean, died in a car crash in 1998.

The Fanning family has not spoken of the circumstances surrounding Peter's death on Wednesday night.

Fanning's mother, Elizabeth Osborne, told the Gold Coast Bulletin that she had drawn strength from Mick's courage in the face of devastation.

"[Mick] displayed so much courage for his brothers - he is doing this for them," she said with pride.

She sobbed as she said: "I don't know what to say - I love you Peter and I miss you so much."

Fanning and his mother were photographed embracing on the beach at the start of the day, just after Fanning advanced through to the semi-finals.

On Thursday, Fanning posted on Instagram that his brother would always be his hero.

"I am so grateful for the incredible love and well wishes that have come my way since learning of my eldest brother's passing this morning," Fanning said.

"Like all my big brothers, Peter will always be a hero to me. I have so many great memories of the good times we have all spent together and they will be with me forever.

"We recently caught up and he told me how proud he was of me and how much he loves watching me compete.

"Today was one of the most challenging days of my life but I knew I could find the strength to take part in the final event of the season because that's what Pete would want."