Three-time world champion Mick Fanning returned to the surf six days after a shark attack in competition in Jeffreys Bay, South Africa, to continue his challenge for the World Championship. Ultimately, however, he was only able to finish second in the World Championship behind Adriano de Souza. Fanning was attacked by the shark during the J-Bay Open World Surf League event in South Africa in August. Dramatic TV footage showed the shark knocking Fanning off his board and breaking his leg rope. Fanning punched back at the shark and managed to escape.

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