Mick Fanning has been brought crashing back to earth by fellow Aussie Callum Robson, who slammed the door on the veteran’s hopes of claiming a fifth title at Bells Beach.
Fanning retired from the World Surf League tour in 2018 but earned a wildcard entry to the marquee Aussie evxjmtzywent at Bells Beach.
The Aussie favourite claimed a massive scalp on Thursday by eliminating Japanese world No. 1 Kanoa Igarashi to advance to the round of 16.
But Robson closed the book on Fanning’s fairytale on Friday, eliminating him on the final wave and handing him a ninth-placed finish overall.
Robson saved his best for last, recording a 7.77 on the seventh wave to go with the score from his second-best wave (6.73).
With his total of 14.50, Robson did enough to shut the gate on Fanning, who finished with 14.27 (6.77 + 7.50), just below the average heat score of 14.39.
