TRIBUNE NEWS NETWORK

DOHA FOOTBALL lovers in Qatar were on a special date with a unique sporting event as they gathered in Souk Waqif to witness the finals of the challenging and rhythm-filled “Red Bull Street Style” on Saturday.

Applauded by youngsters, Abdullah Abou Nahia snatched the winning title and will represent Qatar during the finals for freestyle football hosted in Italy from 20 to 22 September 2012.

Coming in second place was Essa al Malki, followed by Abdullah Al Khaja.

The competition took place at the unique popular market where 16 elite freestyle contestants displayed their outstanding skills and capabilities.

The tournament followed a specialised workshop that gathered scores of football and freestyle fans and was lead by the South African star, Chris Njokwana who shared his experiences and techniques, before judging as part of the jury panel to determine the winners on the basis of ball control, creativity and style.

The freestyle champion managed to achieve his victory after an excitement-packed face-off with Essa Al Malki at the final round after several dual competitions on the sounds of Break Dance and Hip Hop music. The contestants had to show off their outstanding skills for 3 minutes in a radius of 7 meters.

In each battle, the player had the ball for 20 seconds only before having to pass it on to the other contestant.