DAVIDS AND JANKO CROWN AUSTRIA’S FINEST IN VIENNA

From Austria to South Africa: Saturday night saw 21-year-old Faruk Onmaz (Pottendorf) secure a ticket to the freestyle football world championships in Cape Town (South Africa, February 28, 2010) with victory at the Austrian final of Red Bull Street Style. The Freestyle-Baller impressed star judges Edgar Davids (NED) and Marc Janko (AUT) along with the huge crowd packed into Vienna’s SkateArea23, defeating the best 16 freestylers in the country to walk off with the coveted crown.

“The guys here at the final have some mad skills,” commented international football icon Edgar Davids, himself known for combining 100% commitment with a world-class feel for the ball. Fellow judge Marc Janko, star striker with FC Red Bull Salzburg, could only agree: “Anyone who has such control over the ball is definitely in with a chance of securing a top result at the world championships. I for my part will be keeping my fingers crossed.”

At the National Final the best freestyle footballers in Austria fought it out in head-to-head battles, with the star-studded panel of judges rating the performances according to the criteria (ball and body) control, creativity and style in combination with the music. While the men were separated from the boys at the Last 16 stage, eventual winner Onmaz saved his best for last with a breathtaking performance in the final, defeating Martin Schopf (Vienna).

“Qualifying for the World Finals in Cape Town is a dream come true.,” grinned the favourite as he was mobbed by the huge crowd after winning the final battle of the evening.

Athletes from around 60 nations will be in Cape Town (South Africa) on 28 April 2010 for the Red Bull Street Style World Finals, where they will represent their country and battle it out for the world championship title.