Surfing: Parkinson wins 50th Bells Beach final

Joel Parkinson of Australia celebrates after winning at Bells Beach. Photo / Getty Images

Australian surfer Joel Parkinson has beaten compatriot and long-time friend Mick Fanning in a gripping Bells Beach final.

Parkinson was leading when he used his priority to take the last wave from Fanning with seconds left to secure his third Bells title.

Adding emphasis to the victory, Parkinson scored a perfect 10 on the last wave.

It is Parkinson's third Bells title, following his wins in 2004 and '09.

This is the 50th anniversary of competition at the iconic surf beach.

Earlier on Sunday, Parkinson beat Brazilian Adriano de Souza 16.33 to 12.00 in their semi-final and Fanning was too good for South African Jordy Smith in the other semi at the Rip Curl Pro.

Smith posted the highest score of 9.70 on the last wave of their heat, but Fanning was always in command and won 18.87 to 17.23.

The all-Australian title decider between the two popular stars was an ideal result for organisers.

Fanning, the 2001 Bells champion, was also runner-up to four-time winner and 10-time world champion Kelly Slater in this event a year ago.

Slater was the shock loser in Sunday's action, with de Souza accounting for him in their quarter-final.

Parkinson, Fanning and fellow professional surfer Dean Morrison are surfing's famed "Cooly Kids", who grew up together on the Gold Coast.

Parkinson narrowly lost to Fanning in the 2009 world title race.

The win elevated Parkinson to second in the world tour rankings behind Slater after two rounds.

Parkinson opened the 35-minute final with scores of 8.53 and 7.60 to put him in the box seat.

Fanning put himself back in contention with a 7.93 late in the final, but Parkinson held his nerve at the finish.

- AAP