Mick Fanning surfs during the Pipeline Masters event of the Vans Triple Crown in Hawaii on December 17, 2015.
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The Australian surfer's semifinal was overshadowed by the news of the death of his elder brother, Peter Fanning. Earlier this year the 3-time world champion fought off a shark attack at a competition in South Africa.
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Surfer Gabriel Medina of Brazil pauses for a moment before running into the water at Ehukai Beach Park on December 17.
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Gabriel Medina beat Mick Fanning with three minutes of the heat remaining. He became the first Brazilian to win the Triple Crown, which goes to the surfer with the highest points in total.
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Fellow Brazilian Adriano de Souza was pitted against Hawaiian Mason Ho in the other semifinal heat. Despite Ho having local knowledge on his side, De Souza took a narrow lead and held on until the horn.
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Adriano de Souza celebrates beating Ho during the semifinals of the event on December 17.
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Visitors from Perth, Australia show their support for surfers on both sides.
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Brazilian finalists Gabriel Medina and newly-crowned World Champion Adriano de Souza hug during the awards ceremony on December 17.
