There's nothing like a good, old-fashioned dog fight, even in the world of professional surfing — and that is exactly what this year's world title race is beginning to look like. I'm just not sure that it includes Jordy Smith anymore.
A semifinal clash of the titans between defending event champion and defending world champion Mick Fanning against surfing celebrity Kelly Slater saw a visibly upset Fanning question Slater's tactics and gamesmanship shortly after his defeat.
What a difference a week makes. It was Fanning who got sweet revenge against Slater in the finals of the Quiksilver Pro in the South of France, in massive 10- to 12-foot waves, to defend his title there. The defending champion has now moved up two slots from the No. 5 position and into the No. 3 slot in the world title race. Smith continues to hold onto the No. 2 position behind Slater.
