Video: Pro Surfer Attacked By Shark In Televised Competition

(FOX 11) Three-time world champion surfer pro Mick Fanning had to fight off a shark Sunday during a televised surfing competition in South Africa.

Warning: Video contains graphic language.

Fanning, 34, managed to escape without injury, officials said. The attacked happened during the 2015 J-Bay Open heat.

The Australian surfer was in the water holding his board when television viewers caught a glimpse of a fin poke out of the water, and then the shark suddenly attacked him.

"I was just sitting there and I felt something just get stuck in my leg rope, and I was kicking, trying to get it away," Fanning told Fox Sports. "I instantly just jumped away. It kept coming at my board and I was kicking and screaming. I just saw fins. I was waiting for teeth. I punched it in the back," he said.

Rescue crews immediately cleared the water and both he and fellow finalist Julian Wilson were quickly picked up by nearby safety boats.

Video of the incident shows the chilling moment -- and tense moments after as viewers wondered if he was okay.

Mobile app users tap here to watch the close call on YouTube.

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