Mick Fanning carves closer to world title in Portugal
AN extremely focused Mick Fanning continued to march closer to a third world title over night in Portugal.
The number one ranked surfer on the world tour wasted no time in his round three heat against fellow Rip Curl sponsored grommet Jacob Wilcox.
Fanning had a total of 14.00 out of a possible 20 already posted after ten minutes leaving the wildcard Wilcox a tuff task for the remainder of the heat.
The final 12 surfers have now been decided going into the non-knock out round four, while Joel Parkinson, Jordy Smith and Taj Burrow are still alive in the competition.
Fanning needs to keep winning to secure the title.
Contest director and two time world champion Damien Hardman was hopeful of finishing the contest by close of play, Thursday evening, Portugal time.
"All things going to plan we are going for a Thursday afternoon finish, with round four through to crowning a winner," Mr Hardman said.
