
Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia; - Mick Fanning (AUS), 30, has claimed the 2012 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach presented by Ford Ranger over reigning 11-time ASP World Champion Kelly Slater (USA), 40, in offshore three-to-five foot (1 -- 1.5 metre) waves at Bells Beach. Event No. 2 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach culminated in dramatic fashion today with pundits calling it the "best Final in event history." The Australian and American went blow for blow throughout the 35-minute bout, exchanging massive scores and the lead several times before the dust settled. Today's win marked Fanning's 14th elite tour win and his first Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach win since 2001. It also brings the Australian's record with Slater closer to even at 7 to Kelly's 8 in their heat matchup history. This year's Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach was dedicated to the memory of three-time event winner Michael Peterson (AUS), who tragically passed away last week, and the Final was preceded by a minute's applause in memory of the great Australian. Although finishing an uncharacteristic 13th at his homebreak on the Gold Coast, today's victory rockets Fanning to No. 3 on the ASP World Championship Tour rankings heading into the next event. Slater fought back from an early combination situation with an incredible full-rotation aerial for a Perfect 10. The legendary natural-footer backed it up moments later with an 8.07 to take the lead, but would only hold it briefly after <b>...</b>
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