• The world surfing championship finale has been put on hold following deteriorating surf conditions. (AAP)
Deteriorating surf conditions have prompted organisers to call a lay day in the world surfing championship finale at Pipeline in Hawaii.
Source:
AAP
10 Dec 2013 - 9:05 AM  UPDATED 10 Dec 2013 - 9:26 AM

Australia's surfing world title contender Mick Fanning will have to wait another nerve-wracking day to begin his campaign at the season finale.

A lay day has been called for Monday (Tuesday AEDT) at the Billabong Pipe Masters in Hawaii with declining, inconsistent surf on offer at Pipeline.

Championship leader Fanning and his only title rival Kelly Slater are due to enter the contest in the third round, which will commence when the event resumes.

"We're expecting a new swell to start filling in tonight and will be back tomorrow morning to make another call for a possible start," said contest director Marty Thomas.

A third world title is Fanning's to lose.

For Slater to win a 12th world crown he must win the event and have Fanning fail to reach the semi-finals.