Lil Zoo defeated 15 competitors to take his place in November’s Red Bull BC World Finals in Seoul, South Korea The competition between B-Boys from the Middle East and Arica came to a climax in Jordan, with 16 of the region’s best competitors battling it out in the ancient Odeon Theatre in downtown Amman for the chance to compete at the 10th anniversary of the Red Bull BC One World Finals. The 2nd Century AD amphitheatre became a diverse setting of old and new as Lil Zoo battled through four rounds of gladiatorial competition, to the incredible beats of France’s DJ Cléon, to earn his invitation to Seoul, South Korea to compete for breaking’s biggest prize. B-boy Lil Salah represented Qatar at the Red Bull BC One Middle East Africa Finals. However, he didn’t make it through, although he presented unique performances. Lil Zoo said of the victory: “Winning the Red Bull BC One Middle East Africa Finals for the second time is a great, great, great feeling. I’m so happy to be heading to the World Finals. I have the experience now from Rio de Janeiro and I can’t wait to show what I’ve got in South Korea.” Unpredictable from the start due to the last minute substitution of B-Boy CHB for the Egyptian Cypher winner Klash, and with B-Boys from Saudi Arabia to South Africa competing, the audience were witness to the incredible growth in standard, styles, techniques and moves that showed off why these competitors were the best from across the region. In the semi-finals, Lil Zoo battled his fellow crew member Yoriyas, who although suffering from a recent injury showed skill and stamina all the way to the end. But ultimately it was Lil Zoo who met South Africa’s Benny in the finals, knocking him out with a series of creative displays and red-hot agility in the outside Jordanian air. “It was so close. Benny was crazy good, but Lil Zoo was on fire. His power moves, his freezes, his style: everything was clean,” said Red Bull BC One All Star judge Pelézinho. B-Boy Isheh, the local favourite, talked of his pride at competing in his home city in front of such a giant crowd: “It puts Jordan on the map that we’re having such an important international event here. You can see how excited the crowd was to welcome Red Bull BC One,” he said. “The scene is growing here every year, and Amman benefits from having the Finals here, whether someone is a pro or just starting, they’ll learn from each other after this event. “ Now, half way through the Finals, the road to Seoul is getting shorter with just three more battles remaining before the showpiece event on November 30th. Lil Zoo will join B-Boys Arex (Latin America) and Gravity (North America) and all past eight Red Bull BC One Champions at the milestone 10th Anniversary World Finals. The Finals and World Final will be livestreamed on www.redbullbcone.com. Last year, millions of people tuned in around the world to watch Mounir claim glory in Rio de Janeiro, witnessing heroic stories of B-Boys battling their way to the top, as well as superhuman feats of physical strength and innovation, and an all-out celebration of the evolution of Hip Hop culture today. - ILQ News -

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