J.M. Singh sweeps top honors on Asian Tour

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BANGKOK, Thailand -- India's Jeev Milkha Singh won two main awards at the Asian Tour's Awards Gala 2008 to cap a magical season on Sunday night.

The 37-year-old was toasted by his peers after he was named the Players' Player of the Year Award, adding to his Order of Merit crown, which he won for the second time in three seasons.

Singh enjoyed a stellar year, winning four titles around the globe including the Barclays Singapore Open, which made him the first player in Asian Tour history to surpass $1 million in a single season. He is also the first Indian to win two Order of Merit titles.

Singh earned a record $1.45 million in 11 tournaments with that victory and runner-up finishes at the Enjoy Jakarta Astro Indonesia Open and Ballantine's Championship in Korea. He also won twice in Japan and once in Europe to rise to a career high 35th in the Official World Golf Ranking.

"This is a very special moment," Singh said after receiving his awards. "The Asian Tour means a lot to me as this was where I started from. All credit to the Tour as it helped build my confidence and I am truly honored that the players voted for me for the Player of the Year award."

He thanked his family, wife Kudrat and swing coach Amritinder Singh for helping him become a world-class player. "My family and Kudrat have been supportive and I want to thank Amritinder for coaching me and getting me on track," said Singh.

The Rookie of the Year honor went to teen titan Seung-yul Noh, who claimed a breakthrough victory at the Midea China Classic and posted three runner-up finishes. The 17-year-old belied his age to finish the season in an impressive 10th position on the Order of Merit with $345,823 following the conclusion of the season-ending Volvo Masters of Asia on Sunday.

Thai veteran Thaworn Wiratchant, who won a record 10th title this year, earned bragging rights when he claimed the Birdie Leader award after snaring a total of 361 birdies throughout the 2008 season, which saw the Asian Tour stage an unprecedented 30 tournaments and a record of over $39 million in total prize money.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, a two-time winner this season, took home the Lowest Stroke Average with 69.5, a wonderful reflection of his consistent performance, while Australian Scott Strange hit the most Greens in Regulation (GIR) with a stroke average of 73.29 per cent to top the category.

Chawalit Plaphol of Thailand took the Lowest Putting Average award with 1.70 putts per GIR.

The Sentosa Golf Club, venue of this year's Barclays Singapore Open, was voted by the players as the Host Venue of the Year for the third successive year, while the late Supphaphorn Maphungphong of Thailand was the recipient of the Asian Tour's Special Achievement Award for his contribution to the development of golf in Thailand and Asia.