SINGAPORE: Thongchai Jaidee has been voted by his peers as the 2009 Asian Tour Players' Player of the Year, capping a truly memorable season for the Thai golfer.

Thongchai won twice during the year, finished top-10 on three other occasions and did not miss a single cut -- his lowest finish was tied 30th -- en route to an unprecedented third Order of Merit crown. Victories at the Enjoy Jakarta Indonesia Open and Ballantine's Championship in Korea took his career tally to 12 titles, the most wins by a player in Asia, and saw him earn nearly a million dollars in 10 tournaments. Unheralded C. Muniyappa of India, whose classic rags to riches tale inspired many when he won the Hero Honda Indian Open, took home a deserving Rookie of the Year title. The 32-year-old wrapped up his season in 10th place on the Order of Merit with more than 200,000 dollars through one win and three other top-25 placings. Asian Tour Executive Chairman Kyi Hla Han said: 'Thongchai has raised the benchmark higher on the Asian Tour through his terrific performances in 2009. 'He is a great ambassador of the game for the Asian Tour and will no doubt inspire many young players to achieve success. 'We are also extremely proud of the rise of Muniyappa, whose humble background will serve as an inspiration to many players in India and across Asia to shoot for the stars.' Thongchai and Muniyappa will be honoured at the Asian Tour Awards Gala in Malaysia in March. 2009 Roll of Honour Order of Merit: Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) Players' Player of the Year: Thongchai Jaidee (Tha) Rookie of the Year: C. Muniyappa (Ind)