Mick Fanning has taken out heat one in his return to South Africa’s Jeffrey’s Bay, almost a year after his near-death brush with a shark when it attacked him during the final of the 2015 event.

Despite a high ankle strain, which was supported by strapping tape, Fanning led the heat from the beginning, making few mistakes compared to his rivals, American Conner Coffin and Brazil’s Alejo Muniz.

Fanning registered scores of 6.17 and 7.50, one of which coming from his very first wave.

Victory: Mick Fanning has started with a win in his first surf back at Jeffreys Bay. Photo: World Surf League

After returning to shore, Fanning told World Surf League the ankle injury was annoying but it didn’t affect his performance.

„It’s been a big week actually, you know, I got here early and hurt my ankle, so I had to sit on the sidelines and watch the amazing waves go through – it was just like torture,” he said.

„The medical staff worked so well on me and then got it taped up, you know, once you’re out in the heat you don’t feel anything – you just get going.

Terrifying: Mick Fanning’s unforgettable encounter last year. Photo: Association of Surfing Professionals

„It’s pretty good once I’m up and riding – it sorta hurts more to walk. Each day [the ankle] just get better and better, so hopefully by the end of the week it will be all good – and it’s good to have another day off to give it more time to heal.”

All surfers were guaranteed to progress, as per WSL competition regulation, no surfer is eliminated from the first heat – the winner heading straight to round three, with second and third placegetters entering the second round.

The three-time world champion opened strongly with a 6.17 on his first wave – a sign of things to come.

Fanning’s involvement has garnered much media attention, beginning when he arrived early to get some free time in the water.

http://www.smh.com.au/sport/mick-fanning-fires-in-jeffreys-bay-world-surf-league-event-one-year-on-from-shark-attack-20160706-gpztv0.html