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EUGENE AND THE CHAMP MAKE A WAGER

Posted on October 31, 2006 @ 2:10 PM

"Which board do you want?"

Mick Fanning had just made a deal with Kelly Slater at his world title dinner in Biarritz. A cosy affair courtesy of Quik put on a few days after the record 8th title was sealed. The deal was, whenever they squared up face to face again, they would swap boards for the heat. Kelly, speaking from the throne, didn't realise the deal was made with Mick's naughtier alter ego Eugene - who would cut him down like an axe to a three-leaf clover.

"Give me the one you beat me on," replied Kelly, probably refering to their recent semi final in France.

"Yeah... which one!?!" Eugene laughed, reminding him about another semi at J-Bay.

I had to laugh too. The world title may be out of reach for Mick now, but being undefeated in two starts against Kelly this year gave him some colateral for comedy and pride. Later that night, Eugene kicked in another gear, throwing and smearing the world title cake all over Kelly's face.

"There aren't many people that can get away with that," Kelly told me the next day, still hanging and surfing in France. "... and Mick is one of them." The two were the life of the party. "That's why i brought him," said Belly from Quik, “I knew he'd make it a night."

Since Eugene made the deal, we are still not sure if Mick has to keep it... But if the undisputed King wants to defend the title next year, Mick will once again, be his biggest match.

Mick and I hung in France for a few days after Mundaka and the waves were pumping. Mick went home shortly after and I slipped down to Morocco for a quick holiday before preps begin for Brazil WCT.

Matt Griggs

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