Surfing: Irons beats Fanning at Pipeline Masters

OAHU, Hawaii - Hawaiian surfer Andy Irons outclassed Australian Mick Fanning to win the Rip Curl Pro Pipeline Masters today.

The three-time world champion claimed his third Masters with his brother Bruce Irons claiming third and local wildcard Kalani Chapman in fourth.

Fanning, whose placing moves him to third place on the final world championship standings, began strongly with a 7.33 ride, but Andy Irons replied with a perfect 10-point backdoor tube ride to grab the lead.

The elder Irons brother then took an 8.33 ride to leave the other finalists in his wake.

Irons' win earned him $US40,000 ($NZ58,182) and surfing's Triple Crown, the most prestigious trophy in the sport apart from the world title.

Fanning trailed only seven-time world champion Kelly Slater and Andy Irons in the final standings.

- AAP