Australian surfer Mick Fanning survived a shark attack in Sunday’s final of the World Surfing League’s J-Bay Open, fighting off the circling predator with his fists.
Fanning, three-times world surfing champion, was paddling out to ride his first wave when the unidentified species of shark surfaced next to him, knocking the 34-year-old off his board.
I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking trying to get it away. I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I was waiting for the teeth.
–Mick Fanning to Fox Sports
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The Australian managed to fight off the predator, hitting it on its back before it swam off, leaving him shaken as he waited for a support boat to return him safely to shore.
The incident, which was broadcast on live TV, led to the postponement of the final against compatriot Julian Wilson.
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