RIO DE JANEIRO ~ Australia’s Mick Fanning became world surfing champion this week after clinching the Brazil stage of the pro circuit, in which reigning champ Kelly Slater was eliminated.

Fanning, 26, became the first Australian to grab the title since Mark Occhilupo in 1999.

His victory was secured after the only two rivals with points enough to best him, Slater – the eight-time champion from the United States – and another favorite, fellow Australian Taj Burrow, were knocked out in earlier rounds in the competition in Imbituba, Santa Catarina.

Slater has hinted that this year may be his last on the circuit.

Fanning won the final of the Brazil competition on Tuesday against another Australian, Kai Otton, scoring 14.83 points to Otton’s 10.50.