The Australian surfer Mick Fanning has claimed his third world title in epic conditions at the Billabong Pipe Masters
In three-to-five metre waves, the 32 year old held off the 41 year old veteran Kelly Slater, to win this year's world surfing crown.
Drawing compatriot Yadin Nicol in the quarterfinals, Fanning once again found himself at a disadvantage early in the heat with his West Australian opponent racking up a number of high scores on his backhand.
Needing an excellent score in the dying moments, Fanning dropped into on a second reef set setting up for a tremendously deep backhand barrel before being spat out into the channel.
He was awarded a 9.70 out of a possible 10 to win the heat and subsequently the 2013 world title.
The Pipeline event, which is being held in memory of the American surfer Andy Irons, was won by Slater.
