MICK Fanning has moved closer to clinching his maiden world surfing title, winning his round-four heat in the Billabong Pro Mundaka today.
Fanning defeated fellow Australian Luke Stedman to advance to the quarter-finals after overcoming wildcard Hodei Collazo in round three earlier in the day.
Fanning can claim the world title at the third-last event on the tour if results go his way in Spain.
Four surfers remained in contention for the crown going to Mundaka, but that number was cut to three with Australian Joel Parkinson eliminated today.
Fellow Australian Phil MacDonald ended Parkinson’s title tilt with a narrow victory in the fourth round.
Eight-time world champion Kelly Slater, from the US, remains in contention after defeating Adriano de Souza, from Brazil, to join Fanning in the quarters.
World No.3 Taj Burrow, from Australia, the other man in contention for the title, is scheduled to meet South Africa’s Royden Bryson when the final three fourth-round heats resume tomorrow.
If Fanning wins the event, Slater and Burrow must finish at least equal third to take the title race to the next stop in Brazil.
AAP
Source: foxsports.com.au
