Norway’s Andre Villa has topped qualifying for the 2011 season opener of the Red Bull X-Fighters World Tour in Dubai on Thursday.

Villa, who was on 2nd place in the 2010 World Tour, took top honors in the qualifying as six riders earned a pass through the first round in Friday’s main event.

About 15,000 fans are expected to pack Jumeirah Beach in Dubai on Friday, with defending champion Nate Adams the favourite heading into the round.

Adams won the 2010 overall championship even though he did not win a single event last year.

“It pays to be consistent,” Adams explained. “I got on the podium at every competition. Except for Madrid, where I couldn’t take part because I was injured.”

As the season opener in Dubai on Friday evening drew near, there was a growing sense of nervousness among the riders – and also a sense that everyone is keeping a close eye on the competition.

Who mastered new tricks during the winter break? Or who switched to an even more powerful bike? Or who switched teams?

“I tried to prepare perfectly for this season,” Adams commented. “Obviously you keep an eye on what your rivals are up to. But only those who worked hard over the winter are going to be successful.”

The bookmakers have identified Villa as well as Kiwi Levi Sherwood as potential title winners.

The Norwegian Villa won an Red Bull X-Fighters event for the first time in 2010 and was only just beaten for the overall championship in a nerve-wracking final in Italy by Adams.

Meanwhile, Sherwood won in both Moscow and London.

Australia’s Jackson Strong crashed heavily in qualifying. While performing a backflip he over-rotated and wasn’t able to stay on the bike as it landed. He suffered only slight injuries.

Other Aussies competing in the X-Fighters this year include Robbie Maddison, Blake Williams, Cam Sinclair, Cameron Moore, Josh Sheehan and Rob Adelberg.