Mick Fanning Wins Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay

Mick's speed fits nicely in the pocket on a point wave like J Bay. Perhaps a result of his upbringing on Australia's Gold Coast

Smith, who defeated Burrow in the first round, was riding on a cloud throughout the event, disposing of names like Taylor Knox, Travis Logie and Timmy Reyes on his way to the quarterfinal. Against Reyes, Smith blasted two huge double-grab aerials on his way to a 9.5, and went on to make a mockery of the Supertubes line-up while showing off his full repertoire of manoeuvres. Smith has made a habit of embarrassing his opponents in the past ten days and had his opponents comboed in all but one heat of his campaign.

Smith also equalled the highest placing ever by a South African surfer at a WCT event in this, his first outing. Burrow was very respectful of Smith’s superb performance saying, “Jordy was ripping and he definitely stuck it to me. So I was happy to make it through… I know he can do some crazy shit.”

On the way to his victory, Fanning overcame previous Billabong Pro Champion, Kelly Slater, in his semi final match-up after posting two solid scoring rides, one of which ended in one of the most unlikely foam climb manoeuvres ever witnessed at Supertubes. Slater who was unable to catch a wave with enough open face to truly impress, seemed to fizzle out in the tricky conditions. His equal third, however, has further extended his WCT ratings lead which will no doubt temporarily delay his impending career in music as he attempts to rack-up an eighth world title.

Final Results.

1. Mick Fanning (AUS) 2. Taj Burrow (AUS) =3. Jordy Smith (ZAF), Kelly Slater (US). =5. Timmy Reyes (US), Adriano de Souza (BRA), Peterson Rosa (US), Tom Whitaker (AUS)