Mick Fanning has claimed the Quiksilver Pro France 2013 after Gabriel Medina defeating in bumpy four-foot surf, at La Penon, Seignosse.
Wave face performance and aerial antics. The last day of competition in the Southwest coast of France, changed priorities. With no barrels on offer, it was the old school powerhouses' day.
With Jordy Smith and Taj Burrow out of the French beach break, Slater, Parkinson and Fanning had to do their job. That meant, at least, securing a spot in the Semifinals.
And that was exactly what Kelly couldn't do, due to Felipe Toledo's electric surf. The champion had to settle with crunchy croissants. In the last Quarterfinal, Gabriel Medina took a tasty revenge against Julian Wilson.
Joel managed to beat Kai Otton in the Quarterfinals. Fanning had an unexpected easy heat against John John Florence, leaving the Hawaiian in combo land.
The first Semifinal would have a breathtaking Parkinson versus Fanning clash. The two-time world champion would prevail over the 2012 title owner, just like Medina, who stole the last ticket to the final from Felipe Toledo.
Thirty minutes later, there were two different surfing generations, from two distinct surfing cultures out the back. Mick Fanning and Gabriel Medina had different aspirations. Pressure was certainly over the Australian's shoulders, with a third world title in sight.
Mick started well with three good scoring waves on the salty walls, while Gabriel opted for aerial rotations. But the Aussie had to get excellent rides to overtake the young gun.
In the second half of the Quiksilver Pro France 2013, Fanning tried to improve his lowest score. He was in need of a 7.18 wave for more than 10 minutes and only found an opportunity with six minutes to go. Party in Australia.
"I'm pretty emotional, I never really got into rhythm until this morning so it feels great," an ecstatic Fanning stated. "It just feels so good, Gabi is such an incredible kid, even with 20 seconds to go I was still under pressure, it just feels so good", says Fanning.
The upcoming Rip Curl Pro Portugal 2013 will play a decisive role in the ASP World Tour season. If Kelly Slater finishes fifth or worse, and Mick Fanning wins the Rip Curl Pro Portugal, the Australian will claim his third world title crown.
Surfers are expected to ride Supertubos, in Peniche, between 9th-20th October.
Quiksilver Pro France 2013 | Final
Mick Fanning (AUS), 16.66 def. Gabriel Medina (BRA), 15.00