Europe’s Number One Martin Kaymer of Germany and the victorious Ryder Cup Team of which he was a member were both honoured at the Laureus World Sports Awards, held in Abu Dhabi on Sunday night.
Reigning US PGA Champion Kaymer, who won The 2010 Race to Dubai and recently took his tally of European Tour titles to nine with his victory at the Abu Dhabi HSBC Golf Championship, received the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award, having previously won the German equivalent of Sports Personality of the Year.
Kaymer saw off competition from his fellow European Tour champions Matteo Manassero and Louis Oosthuizen and his footballing compatriot Thomas Müller, all of whom were also nominated for the same award.
Kaymer played his part in Europe’s thrilling Ryder Cup triumph over their American counterparts, which saw the Team receive the Laureus Spirit of Sport Award.
According to the Laureus website, “the match demonstrated great sportsmanship and golf played at the highest level in front of enormous and passionate galleries.”
The 12 men led to glory by Captain Colin Montgomerie were also nominated in the Laureus World Team of the Year category, but were pipped to the prize by Spain’s triumphant World Cup side.
The Laureus World Sports Awards, which recognize great sporting achievement, are considered the premier international awards ceremony in the sporting calendar. The winners, voted by a jury made up of 46 of the greatest sportsmen and women of all time, were announced at a televised ceremony at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi hosted by two-time Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey and attended by guests from the world of sport and entertainment.
