Fanning knocked out of Quiksilver Pro

Reigning world champion Mick Fanning has been dumped out of the Quiksilver Pro on the Gold Coast by Sydney's Kai Otton.

Otton claimed the upset win in the heats after Fanning crashed out on his first two waves.

Otton will now face American Bobby Martinez in the quarter-finals.

Nine-time world champion Kelly Slater has also been elimiated from the competition, going down to South African Jordy Smith in the fourth round.

World No.2 and defending Quiksilver Pro champion Joel Parkinson is now the clear favourite to take the Gold Coast title, after winning his heat to advance to the quarters.