MICK Fanning has further cemented his reputation as one of the world's most inspiring sportspeople with an emotional victory in the world championship surfing event in South Africa.

Twelve months ago Fanning survived a terrifying encounter with a great white shark while surfing in the final of the J-Bay Open at Jeffreys Bay but at the weekend he overcame his fears to win the event.

"It's been an emotional build-up, even just coming back here this year," Fanning said in the wake of the win.

"I'm just so glad I could come back and right the wrong. And now that that's done, we can move on."

Fanning was a picture of professionalism in the final, producing a near-perfect 9.93 ride (out of a possible 10 points) to down Hawaiian John Florence.

Long-time coach Phil McNamara, who steered Fanning to three world titles, said the triumph highlighted the 35-year-old's strength of character.

"To a certain extent the mechanics of the win would be business as usual but obviously there were emotional and psychological hurdles to overcome," he said.

"But you get the impression that it was going to go down like this. His great strength is being able to visualise something, set goals and then make it happen.

"You don't know how strong you are until you are tested and Mick's been tested more than most."

Among those on hand to witness the victory was Fanning's mother, Elizabeth Osborne, who clasped her hands in a prayer of thanks after the final siren sounded.

Also among the supporters was good mate Joel Parkinson, who helped chair Fanning up the beach after the final.

Parkinson bowed out of the event early but remained in South Africa to lend support and he said the result would enable Fanning to "finish off what happened last year."

"He can put a ruler through it and move on with his life," Parkinson said.

The win has elevated Fanning to fifth on the world rankings but he ruled out challenging for the world title this year, confirming he would continue to surf only in select events.

"It's not about world titles for me any more, I just want to get out there and enjoy the world," he said.

"I'm going to come to Trestles, after that I'm not entirely sure. I'll probably finish up the year after that.

"I'm really enjoying my surfing and having fun with my friends. I think Trestles might be my last event for the year before I have a real break."

Despite being eliminated early at Jeffreys Bay, Australia's Matt Wilkinson retains the world ranking lead heading into the next event in Tahiti.

Fanning downed Sunshine Coaster Julian Wilson in the semi-final while Florence beat Tweed Heads surfer Josh Kerr.