MICK Fanning’s dream of claiming a fourth World Surfing Title at the 2015 Pipe Masters in Hawaii is over after Brazil’s Adriano De Souza claimed his first championship.

Fanning was upset in the semi-final yesterday, when De Souza’s fellow countryman and 2014 World Champion Gabriel Medina, stormed home to edge past the gutsy Australian.

Fanning’s run to the title brings to a close an emotional year for the popular Tweed surfer, following his much-publicised encounter with a shark in South Africa in July and the death of his older brother, Peter, who sadly passed away at his Tweed Heads home in the early hours of Thursday.

Fanning heard of his brother’s death just moments before paddling out for his second round heat, where he defeated Pipe masters Kelly Slater and John John Florence in a brave display on his way to the semi-final, where his world title hopes were dashed.

Surfing Australia CEO Andrew Stark said Fanning’s achievements were a testament to his character and his courage would be applauded.

“What Mick Fanning achieved in the past two days under such immense pressure was absolutely remarkable and is a testament to the incredible person he is,” Stark said.

“Mick rose to the challenge and was absolutely outstanding in his performance and incredibly gracious in defeat.

“He is a true ambassador and role model that the entire surfing community and Australia as a nation should be incredibly proud of. We congratulate Mick on his efforts and our thoughts are with him and his family during this tough time.”

Local surfing identity Andy McKinnon, a columnist with the TDN, said Fanning had made everybody proud.

“He’s had a hell of a year right to the end with older brother Peter passing away on the eve of a world title, but he just kept so stoic,” McKinnon said.

“Mick can hold his head up high, he’s made us all proud and he’s always going to be our greatest world champion.”

McKinnon expected Fanning to be back next year, for another shot at the title.