Fanning on target to win US Open

Two time world surfing champ Mick Fanning is on target for the top spot at the US Open of Surfing.

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REIGNING two time world surfing champion Mick Fanning is on target to go one better than last year at the US Open of Surfing.

The Tweed Heads product put himself in the box seat with a win at Huntington Beach in California which saw him advance through to the round of 24 at the world qualifying series event.

After finishing US Open runner up in 2009, Fanning is determined to take out the event, and dominated his round three heat from start to finish to post a two wave heat total of 15.23 out of a possible score of 20.

World No.12 Adrian Buchan from the Central Coast used a last minute wave to advance in front of American Kelly Slater.

However, the nine time world champion Slater still progressed in second place.

World No.2 West Australian surfer, Taj Burrow was eliminated from his round three heat by fellow Aussie, Lennox Head product Owen Wright, in one of the day's later heats.

World No.1 Jordy Smith and world No.7 Aussie Bede Durbidge are also through to the round of 24.