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[VIDEO] Mick Fanning fights off shark on live TV at the J-Bay Open

19th July, 2015
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Mick Fanning survives a shark attack at J-Bay Open in South Africa
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19th July, 2015
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Three time WSL world champion Mick Fanning has survived a terrifying shark encounter at the J-Bay Open in South Africa.

As he prepared for his first ride in the final against fellow Australian Julian Wilson, a shark fin ominously emerged from the water before appearing to get in a struggle with the 34 year old.

Thankfully, the shark swam away and the safety boat came out to quickly get Fanning and Wilson out of the water with no harm done.

Fanning told the Fox Sports reporter on the boat,

“I punched him in the back. 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 teeth. I punched it in the back,” he said.

The final was postponed as World Surfing League officials waited for clearance for the waters to be safe again.

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