Fanning makes Bells Final in last professional event

Mick Fanning has edged a step closer to a fairytale finish by beating compatriot Owen Wright in the quarters at Bells Beach on his final day of competition.

Mick Fanning competing at Bells Beach, 2018. Source: AAP

Australian surfing great Mick Fanning and fellow Stephanie Gilmore have started finals day at Bells Beach with big wins.

Fanning, who is in his last professional event, beat compatriot Owen Wright in their quarter-final at the Rip Curl Pro.

The three-time world champion and four-time Bells title winner is facing American Patrick Gudauskas in a semi-final while Brazilians Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreria are in the other.

Gilmore had a titanic semi-final against American rising star Caroline Marks and needed a 9.07 wave score in the last couple of minutes to dispatch her.

The six-time world champion and three-time Bells winner will surf against Hawaiian Tatiana Weston-Webb in the final.