Fanning revives title hopes with Portugal win

Australia's triple world champion Mick Fanning has revived his title defence after winning the Moche Rip Curl Pro in Portugal.

The win at Peniche moves Fanning into second place on the World Championship Tour rankings and within striking distance of Brazilian pacesetter Gabriel Medina.

Fanning defeated South African Jordy Smith to claim his third victory of the season and set up an epic showdown for the world title at Hawaiia's Pipeline in December, where he sealed his third crown last year.

The 33-year-old trailed Smith until the dying minutes of the final with a crucial wave to snatch victory before being chaired up the beach.

"I’m just so stoked," a delighted Fanning said after the victory.

"I just woke up today and the waves were so fun. The whole day was just about trying to get good waves and just get barreled."

Heading into the event, Fanning was third and looked an unlikely hope of snaring a fourth world title, particularly after losing his opening heat.

But with Medina and world No.2 Kelly Slater eliminated in the third round his chances were boosted, though he flew under the radar.

"That's where I like to be fly - under the radar," Fanning said.

"Even with those guys losing I still had to capitalise on it and I'm just stoked to get a win."

Fanning now must win the Billabong Pipeline Masters, staring on December 8 on Oahu's North Shore and hope Medina fails to make the final.