Mick Fanning defeats Joel Parkinson to advance to Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay final
The second semi-final of Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay went down on Sunday, July 23, at the coastline of Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.
The showdown took place between Australia’s Mick Fanning and his compatriot, Joel Parkinson. Both surfers came up with exceptional performances, but in the end, it was Fanning who managed to clinch the win and advance to the final.
The former two-time Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) World Champion, Fanning was no stranger to the pressure of a semi-final heat. Despite suffering from an inconsistent form over the last few days, there was hardly anyone who could argue with
the fact that the 30-year-old could not be taken lightly.
Parkinson, on the other hand, was proving to be a formidable force at Jeffreys Bay as well. He had smoothly made his way into the semi-finals, besting some of the world’s best surfers along the way. Soaring with confidence, he readied himself to take on
Fanning.
As the semi-final battle commenced, the 30-year-old Parkinson got off to a great start, notching 7.60 off a wave in the opening minutes of the heat to gain an early advantage. However, Fanning successfully rose up to the challenge and scored 7.67 points
off a wave to steal the lead.
In the final minutes of the battle, Fanning caught another really juicy wave to showcase his surfing prowess with some of the most stylish tricks in his arsenal, sending both the judges and crowd in awe. He collected a near-perfect 9.80 for the outstanding
effort.
Scoring 7.70 points off his second business-wave, Parkinson finished with a heat-total of 15.30 points, consequently surrendering victory to his rampaging rival.
Talking to a reporter after the heat, Parkinson said, “The conditions are a bit tedious today but every now and then there’s a good wave. Everyone is in the same boat too – we all have to deal with it. Shame I couldn’t find the same rhythm that Mick (Fanning)
did out there, but that’s how it goes sometimes.”
Claiming success in the heat, Fanning headed off to the final to face the defending event champion, South Africa’s Jordy Smith. With both the finalists in exceptional form, the final battle was expected to be nothing short of electrifying.
For updates on the final of Billabong Pro Jeffreys Bay, stay tuned to bettor.com
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