AUSTRALIANS Mick Fanning has beaten Owen Wright to claim a spot in the quarter-finals of the Rip Curl Pro.
Fanning is now a step closer to claiming an extraordinary fifth trophy at the annual event in Victoria.
Fanning stayed calm and collect as he overtook Wright to claim victory in the elimination fifth round, 18-27 to 17.60.
Fanning is the only Australian to make it through to the quarters after Brazilian Felipe Toldeo beat multiple winner Joel Parkinson in their round four match-up.
😱 WOW 😱 @johnjohnflorenc#RipCurlPro#BellsBeachpic.twitter.com/qved1FOqyZ
— World Surf League (@wsl) April 18, 2017
Fanning, Wright and Parkinson all surfed in round five after missing an early opportunity to secure spots in the quarter-finals with round four wins.
WHAT MAKES SALLY FITZ AND TRENT MERRIN SO GOOD
Joel Parkinson surfing at Bells.Source:AAP
Wright was the first Australian in the water on Wednesday after the opening heat was delayed by thick fog.
But it was Brazilian Caio Ibelli who dominated, sending both Portugal’s Frederico Morais and Wright into round five.
WHAT A RIDE! OWEN WRIGHT'S INCREDIBLE JOURNEY
Mick Fanning in action at the Rip Curl Pro.Source:News Corp Australia
In the second heat of the day, world champion John John Florence produced a masterclass to book his spot in the quarter-finals.
Florence’s win meant Fanning and Hawaiian Sebastian Zietz were sent into round five.
South African Jordy Smith won his bout with Parkinson and Brazilian Wiggoly Dantas to also advance into the quarter-finals early.
Originally published as Mick Fanning surfs into Rip Curl Pro quarters
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