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Fanning Takes Victory at J-Bay Open in Sensational Supertubes

Fanning on his way to winning the J-Bay Open in epic conditions at Supertubes Saturday. Image: ASP / Kelly Cestari

A thrilling finals day at the J-Bay Open saw Mick Fanning crowned event champion in epic conditions at Supertubes. The reigning three-time ASP World Champion faced fellow Aussie Joel Parkinson in a hard-fought final in pumping six-to-ten foot surf.

The win counted as Fanning’s second WCT victory of the season and third win at J-Bay, moving the three-time world champ up to No. 3 in the rankings. Fanning’s first wave of the heat earned him an excellent 9.00 for a double-barrel and powerful carves. He went on to use his polished skills to bank a second solid score and a two-wave heat total of 17.00. Parko fought his way back into contention with rides of 7.43 and 6.17 but was still looking for 9.57 points when time ran out.

“I never dreamed that I would get to surf a J-Bay final with Joel,” said Mick. “I’m so tired but it’s a dream-come-true kind of day. Joel is one of my favourite surfers and my best friend, we’ve known each other since we were kids. I’m so stoked, it was such an incredible day of waves and I’m just so thankful that I got to surf it. A big thanks to the ASP and everyone involved in bringing the event back to the Tour.”

Joel’s second runner-up finish of the year sees him move to No. 2 on the rankings.

“It was an amazing heat and Mick is such a great surfer,” said Parko post heat. “I made a couple of bad decisions and I just didn’t get the right waves. It would’ve been nice to get a win but that was a brilliant day of surfing with amazing waves and it was so wonderful to be part of it”

Another of the day’s highlights saw surfing greats Tom Curren and Mark Occhilupo take to the water in front of an enthralled crowd as part of the ASP Heritage Series. Curren’s effortless forehand approach saw him post a perfect 10 for three huge carves and a deep barrel in the flawless conditions.

“I love J-Bay, the waves are brilliant and the people are wonderful,” said Tom Curren. “It’s so great to watch all the guys compete here in such fantastic conditions. I got a little carried away during that ten-point ride, the waves were so good. It’s Sonny Miller’s birthday today so I just want to dedicate this to him.”

Mick and Joel celebrate after the Final of the J-Bay Open. Image: ASP / Kirstin Scholtz

Missed the live webcast? Watch the full final-day replay here!

J-Bay Open Final Result:

Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.00 def. Joel Parkinson (AUS) 13.60

J-Bay Open Semifinal Results:

Semifinal 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 18.83 def. Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 15.54
Semifinal 2: Mick Fanning (AUS) 17.00 def. Owen Wright (AUS) 12.50

J-Bay Open Quarterfinal Results:

Quarterfinal 1: Joel Parkinson (AUS) 14.50 def. Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.33
Quarterfinal 2: Matt Wilkinson (AUS) 17.83 def. Taj Burrow (AUS) 16.44
Quarterfinal 3: Owen Wright (AUS) 17.40 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.07
Quarterfinal 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 16.66 def. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.67

J-Bay Open Round 5 Results:

Heat 1: Adriano de Souza (BRA) 10.33 def. Josh Kerr (AUS) 9.04
Heat 2: Taj Burrow (AUS) 12.83 def. Kolohe Andino (USA) 9.34
Heat 3: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 11.17 def. C.J. Hobgood (USA) 11.10
Heat 4: Mick Fanning (AUS) 15.67 def. Fredrick Patacchia (HAW) 8.13