Golf: Grieving Thai honours late coach after awards haul

JAKARTA - Thai golfer Kiradech Aphibarnrat made an emotional tribute to his late coach as he dominated the Asian Tour awards night by winning three prizes including player of the year.

The 24-year-old, who was also honoured for winning last year's order of merit and received a special achievement award, lost his coach Natpasit Chokthanasart, or Pro Jew, in December.

"My success on the Asian Tour would not have been possible without the strong support from my family," Kiradech told the ceremony in Jakarta late on Tuesday.

"I want to thank them tonight and I also want to pay tribute to my late coach Natpasit Chokthanasart who passed away late last year. He played a key role in shaping my game and made me become the player that I am today." Natpasit, Kiradech's long-time mentor, died from pneumonia at the age of 58.

Separately Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, 44, was named player of the decade after collecting three order of merit wins and 13 tournament victories.