Mick Fanning showed remarkable mental strength under extraordinary circumstances, only to be denied a fourth surfing world title.
Fanning was eliminated in the semifinals of the Pipe Masters in Hawaii yesterday by Gabriel Medina, opening the door for fellow Brazilian Adriano de Souza to claim his first world crown.
DeSouza clinched the title by edging Hawaiian Mason Ho in the other semifinal, before icing the victory by downing Medina 14.07 points to 8.50 in the final to become the first Brazilian to win the iconic Pipe Masters event.
Fanning, who was competing just a day after being informed of the death of his elder brother Peter, reached the semifinals with victory over American 11-time world champion and seven-time Pipe Masters winner Kelly Slater.
It seemed at that stage destiny might be shifting in Fanning's favour at the end of a tough year which included him surviving a shark attack in South Africa.
His conquest of Slater eliminated Medina from title contention, but the defending champion would still play a key role in determining who succeeded him. Fanning led Medina for most of their semifinal, only for the Brazilian to score a 6.50 from his last wave with a spectacular full rotation and earn an 11.33 to 10.36 victory.
Adriano de Souza (pictured) paid tribute to Mick Fanning's strength. Photo / Getty Images
It was one of the few memorable manoeuvres on a day when the tricky surf threw up few big barrels.
De Souza needed to win the second semifinal against Ho to pass Fanning in the standings and did so, showing patience in wave selection.
Speaking before the semifinals, Fanning gave an insight into the emotional burden he was carrying.
"I was almost in tears every time I'm paddling out," he said. "Even out in the water, just going through waves of emotion. But a friend told me once we can deal with anything, you've just got to do it the best you can, stay true to yourself and things will happen."
De Souza finished the year on 57,700 points followed by Fanning (54,650), Medina (51,600), another Brazilian Filipe Toledo (50,950) and Australians Owen Wright (43,600) and Julian Wilson (42,700).
The new champion was gracious in his acknowledgement of Fanning.
"For one part of the year, Mick was most deserving to win this world title," de Souza said. "For me, he's the strongest man I've ever met. He had so many personal things going on but he was a a true champion. He put everything aside and he focused on the water."
