RIYADH: Mohammed Nasser Al Khathlan of Riyadh has been crowned the winner of the Middle East Live Qualifier of the FIFA Interactive World Cup 2009 (FIWC09). The 21-year-old student defeated a fellow participant from Jeddah in the final 5-1 on Feb. 13. Regional finalists were in Dubai to battle it out. The final came after seven qualifying tournaments were held across the region early this year. The contest has achieved remarkable response from the public, being the first tournament of its kind held in the Middle East. The best virtual players competed head-to-head in order to qualify for the Regional Final. By winning the Middle East Live Qualifier, Mohammed secured one of the 32 prestigious slots at the FIWC09 Grand Final in Barcelona this May.