Mick Fanning is a step closer to defending his J-Bay Open title after storming into the fourth round of the world surf league event in South Africa.
The three-time world champion looked at ease on Tuesday morning at Jeffreys Bay, the sixth stop on the World Surf League Championship Tour, as he faced American CJ Hobgood.
Showing off exceptional speed and power, Fanning netted a heat total of 17.50 to leave Hobgood, on 13.83, in his wake.
"I knew I had to put it all together and I got a couple of eights, which settled the nerves a little," Fanning said.
"But still, CJ, he's a world champion, he's a hero of mine and he never gives up. That's what I love about him. I still had to keep my head on the whole way through."
Fanning faces Brazil's Gabriel Medina and American Kelly Slater in the next round.
Compatriots Adrian Buchan, Kai Otton and Julian Wilson also progressed, setting up an all-Australian first heat in round four.
Meanwhile, Joel Parkinson, who on Monday produced a near-perfect 9.77 ride, was beaten out by Brazil's Wiggolly Dantas.
"There's always going to be a winner and a loser, but there just wasn't a lot of opportunity," Parkinson said.
"It is a bit disappointing to think that I'm sitting kind of midway in the tour and I really feel like I should be a lot higher up."
The 34-year-old was one of six Australians eliminated in round three - Owen Wright, Adam Melling, Josh Kerr, Matt Wilkinson and Bede Durbidge also suffering defeat.
Share
