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MICK FANNING, 25, Australia

Vitals: 67% win rate in ’06. Average event result of 9.45.

Behind the Numbers: Mick’s win rate has been identical the past two years, as was his overall rating, but he had two ’CT wins in ’06, a career best, which indicates that a breakout is looming.

Heading into 2007: Mick’s determination level is arguably the highest on tour. He loves what he’s doing, and takes nothing for granted these days. His biggest proponents cite his win over Slater at J-Bay as proof that he’s technically the best surfer on tour right now. Both surfers got their waves, and Fanning ran away with it. Yet what Fanning has in technical perfection, he lacks in the X-factor. There are few surprises being served up in his surfing. Fanning’s biggest world-title hurdle�aside from Pipeline and Teahupo’o�rests about four feet above the lip. He’s just one giant leap away.

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