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Fanning into Rio Pro last eight

Xinhua, May 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

Triple world surfing champion Mick Fanning was one of three Australians to advance to the quarterfinals of the Rio Pro men's competition on Sunday.

The 35-year-old beat countryman Joel Parkinson and Brazilian Yago Dora with a combined-wave score of 17.50 at Itauna beach in Saquarema, around 100km east of Rio de Janeiro.

Fanning said he was relieved to overcome Dora, who defeated reigning world champion John John Florence in the previous round.

"Yago has been in great form. He is incredible on these lefts and surfed amazing," Fanning said. "Joel and I have had some history since we were 13, so it is always fun surfing against him. You've got to think about the backwash out there. It is always tricky, but I am stoked to get through."

Australians Adrian Buchan and Owen Wright also advanced to the last eight of the World Surf League event, as did Brazil's 2015 world champion Adrian de Souza. Endit