Mick Fanning
Mick Fanning of Australia speaks during a news conference in Sydney, Australia July 21, 2015, after he was attacked by a shark during the finals of the J-Bay Open on Sunday in Jeffrey's Bay, South Africa. REUTERS/David Gray

Australian surfer Mick Fanning has returned to the World Surf League competition after surviving a life-threatening shark attack last month at the J-Bay Open in South Africa. Fanning was back competing in the Billabong Pro Tahiti at Teahupo’o to continue his campaign for a fourth world title.

Fanning, who fought off a shark during the final round of the WSL event at J-Bay, was composed in difficult conditions at Teahupo’o, leading his first heat from start to finish. “White Lightning” made the most of a couple of good waves before defeating fellow Australian Adam Melling and Taumata Puhetini with his heat.

"It was great to get back in the singlet and focus on the surfing again," Fanning said, reports Stuff. "There has been so much hype about the incident at J-Bay, so much media attention and I just wanted to move on.”

Fanning bested others at the opening day of the Billabong Pro event, but the 34-year-old surfer felt he only lucked out in getting waves. Fanning is currently facing a tough competition in the world title standing alongside Brazilian Adriano de Souza and fellow Australian surfer Julian Wilson. However, when it comes to taking home a fourth world title, Fanning was confidence about his chances.

"I feel pretty confident, there is so much that goes into a world title, you have to be on at all times. I guess you just focus on yourself and try and do the right things at the right time,” Fanning said, Sydney Morning Herald reported.

Wilson, who attempted to paddle towards the shark and Fanning in the J-Bay lineup, also won his first round heat, holding off Hawaiian Sebastian Zietz with a 10.66 score to Ziet’s 9.00. Wilson will join Fanning, fellow Australian Owen Wright, American surfer Kelly Slater, and Spain’s Aritz Aranburu in the third round.

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