During the finals of the J-Bay Open in South Africa, a shark attacked three-time world surfing champion, Mick Fanning. After a frantic struggle, Fanning managed to punch the shark in the back, escaping with just a cut leash.

The World Surf League cancelled the rest of the event with the two finalists splitting the winnings. World Surf League commissioner Kieren Perrow said he believed it was the first time a surfer had been attacked during a competition.