Fan named Asian Player of the Year

Fan named Asian Player of the Year

KUALA LUMPUR: Veteran Chinese defender Fan Zhiyi was Friday named the 2001 Asian Player of the Year.

Fan, who played a key role in China's first ever qualification for the World Cup finals, beat off the challenge of fellow Chinese star Li Tie, Iran's Ali Karimi, Saudi Arabia's Abdullah Al Shehan and Mirdjalal Kasimov of Uzbekistan.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) further boosted China's confidence ahead of the World Cup finals starting May 31 by handing it the National Team of the Year title.

Promising Chinese newcomer Du Wei took out the Youth Player of the Year award. --AFP