Current ratings leader Mick Fanning left it until the dying seconds before ensuring his progress directly through to the third round of the Rip Curl Pro Search surfing event in Arica, Chile.

The New South Welshman was trailing compatriot and close friend Dean Morrison late in the first round and needed a score of at least 6.23 to avoid being forced into a cut-throat second round showdown.

Fanning duly demonstrated his championship mettle, recording a score of 8.8 with just 12 seconds remaining to reach round three.

Other leading contenders, including eight-time world champion Kelly Slater, fellow American Damien Hobgood and Australian Joel Parkinson, all progressed directly to round three.

There were some upsets, however, with three-time former world champion Andy Irons finishing second behind Hawaiian Pancho Sullivan and Australians Taj Burrow and Bede Durbidge failing to win their respective heats.

Irons, Burrow, Durbidge and Tom Whitaker are among surfers who will have to get through knock out one-on-one contests in round two if they are to remain in the competition.

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