Mick Fanning remains in contention to claim the ASP world title after taking out top honours at Monday’s Moche Rip Curl Pro in Portugal.
Fanning’s bid to nab consecutive world titles will be hindered by the presence of Brazilian Gabriel Medina and 11-time winner Kelly Slater as the trio head into the year’s final meeting at the Billabong Pipeline Masters in Hawaii as the lone three contenders still able to take home the hardware.
The three-time world champ ended a poor streak in Portugal to dominate South African Jordy Smith in the Supertubos final and jump up to the ASP’s No.2 ranking.
“I am just so stoked,” Fanning said after securing the result. “It’s been five years since I won here.”
With the 20-year-old Medina requiring just a second or better finish in Hawaii to claim a first ASP title, the 33-year-old Aussie will have a tough time defending his crown and needs not just a strong showing, but for the Brazilian to remain out of form.
Fanning said the lead-up to the December 8 Pipeline Masters will be “stressful”, adding “I guess I will just deal with that when I get there.”
“That’s where I like to be fly – under the radar,” Fanning added.
“Even with those guys losing I still had to capitalise on it and I’m just stoked to get a win.”
Potential ASP title outcomes via The Guardian:
• If Medina finishes second or better, he will clinch the 2014 ASP World Title.
• If Medina finishes third, Fanning will need to win the event and Slater will be out of contention.
• If Medina finishes fifth, Fanning will need to win the event and Slater will be out of contention.
• If Medina finishes ninth, Fanning will need to finish second or better and Slater will be out of contention.
• If Medina finishes 13th or 25th, Fanning will need to finish third to win or fifth to send the title race into a one-heat “surf-off” between himself and Medina.
• If Medina finishes 13th or 25th, Slater will need to win the event.
Photo: Kirsten Scholtz/Getty Images
