The final of the Billabong Pro Tahiti was another classic showdown between the two ageing Cooly kids. Mick had the momentum going into the final following a last second 10-pointer in his Quarter against Ricardo Dos Santos and coming over the top of Owen Wright in their high-scoring Semi. Despite this it was Parko who got off to a flyer in the Final. His first two waves were a 9.50 and an 8.87 and it appeared he had the game sewn up after ten minutes.

"It's a 35 minute Final so I knew the waves were going to come," Fanning said later and he was spot on. He scored a 9.37 and a nail-biting 9.50 just shy of the final buzzer. Mick took the win and also the lead in the World Tour. Parko sits in second.

Photos ASP/Kirstin, except for last shot of Parko and Mick courtesy of Parko.