Mick Fanning's hopes of defending his surfing world championship suffered a blow on Saturday when he was knocked out in the fifth round of the Pro France.
The Australian was defeated by John John Florence, who produced a near-flawless performance in 2.5 metre waves at Hossegor.
World No.8 Florence recorded a 19.90 two-wave total out of 20, which included a perfect 10-point barrel ride in the closing stages as he easily outclassed Fanning (13.60).
"The conditions today look amazing but can be all over the place out there," Florence said.
"I was lucky to find a rhythm in my first heat (against Fanning) and seemed to be on all the good ones."
Florence, from Hawaii, advanced to the semi-finals after defeating the USA's Kolohe Andino in the quarters.
Fanning went into the event placed fourth on the championship standings.
While his title hopes took a shot when he was eliminated, they were helped after fellow Australian Josh Kerr eliminated world No.1 Gabriel Medina, of Brazil, in the quarter-finals.
"Gabriel (Medina) has had an incredible year and it always pushes your surfing to come up against the No.1 guy," Kerr said.
"I was fortunate to get him in our quarter-final match in Margaret River and to get another one on him today is great for the confidence heading into the last events of the season."
Kerr is the only Australian left in the draw after he also defeated countryman Matt Wilkinson in round five earlier on Saturday.
When competition resumes, Miguel Pupo will take on Jadson Andre and Jordy Smith will meet world No.2 Kelly Slater in the other quarter-finals.
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