Flashback to 2015: Shark attack! Mick Fanning fights off shark at J-Bay [video]

A look back at the lucky escape for Australian three-time world surfing champion Mick Fanning in the final of the 2015 WSL event at Jeffreys Bay.

FOR THE LATEST SURFING NEWS VISIT THE SOUTH AFRICAN WEBSITE

Fanning was hit from behind and knocked off his board before frantically swimming to safety.

Thankfully, he escaped unharmed.

Fast forward seven years and 36 of the world’s premier surfers have descended on the Eastern Cape town for the WSL Corona Open J-Bay starting on Tuesday, 12 July.

READ | THE GOAT IS BACK! KELLY SLATER RETURNS TO J-BAY TO TAKE ON JORDY SMITH

This year’s event will run from 12-21 July with excellent waves predicted throughout for the 24-man and 12-women strong fields.

Surfing GOAT Kelly Slater returns to South Africa at age 50 to take on the young pretenders, including South Africa’s Jordy Smith.

Kelly Slater is a 4-time winner at J-Bay

Slater is an 11-time world champion and four-time winner at J-Bay in 1996, 2003, 2005 and 2008, while Smith tasted success in 2010 and 2011.

PICTURES | IS THIS THE BIGGEST GREAT WHITE EVER SPOTTED IN SA WATERS?

Slater has been drawn in the eighth and final heat on Tuesday, alongside Brazilian Miguel Pupo and Australian Connor O’Leary.

Jordy Smith, meanwhile, will take part in Heat 2 with Brazilian duo Italo Ferreira and Yago Dora.

VIDEO | GREAT WHITE SHARK SPOTTED AHEAD OF J-BAY OPEN

There will be three other South Africans in the main men’s draw, namely Matthew McGillivray, Luke Thompson and Joshe Faulkner.

There will be no local representation in the women’s field.

Follow the action LIVE below!