Joel Parkinson got a good look at Mick Fanning passing him in the ratings today. The two were in the water at the exact same time as Billabong Pro contest director Mike Parsons was forced to go with Kelly Slater's double-heat format in order to salvage what's left of the waiting period at Mundaka. Mick and Joel were surfing their heats simultaneously in the crumbly afternoon conditions.

Parko was surfing against Australian Drew Courtney during his first heat of the competition, and the crumbly beachbreak surf was clearly torture on his sore ankle. Parko has been nursing the injury since the mid-season break in the tour, and while he was trying to downplay its impact at the Hurley and Quiksilver Pro events, where he lost early, there's no question it's hampering him. While Joel is putting his board in all the right places there's been a lack of authority in his moves. His inability to put any real force on his bad ankle is a giant crack in his surfing foundation.

Such problems are usually magnified in smaller, crumbly surf, which is what Parko's been dealing with at each event since the second half of the season began. Just a little over a month ago Parko was holding what looked like an insurmountable ratings lead. But after his third straight early loss in a row Parko has handed over the lead to his old buddy Mick Fanning, who's been on a tear in the second half.

Fanning's solid surfing wasn't translating into results early in the season, but all the hard work seems to be paying off now. It's worth noting that Fanning won his world title in 2007 during a season that was rife with small, mushy surf. His speedy, laser sharp approach is paying dividends.

Fanning beat South African David Weare today to advance on to Round Three of the Billabong Pro. If his luck turns and he loses in the next round, there's still an outside chance for guys like C.J. Hobgood and Kelly Slater to claw their way back into the hunt for a world title.

Don't count on Fanning to falter here though. Mick's the type who, when smelling blood, can capitalize. He's also one of the only surfers out there right now who can rattle Kelly Slater, as he did at Lower Trestles during the Hurley Pro.