Schumi wins title fair and square

Michael Schumacher ended a controversial few days on a high note when he was named the 2002 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year.

The German, who won nine grands prix on his way to his fourth world Formula One title last year, claimed the award ahead of golf 's Tiger Woods - the winner for the past two years - Tour de France cycling king Lance Armstrong, sprint ace Maurice Greene and swimming sensation Ian Thorpe.

Schumacher has been summoned by the FIA, along with the rest of the Ferrari team, to appear before the world motorsports council following Sunday's controversial finish to the Austrian Grand Prix.

Schumacher won, but only after team-mate Rubens Barrichello was denied a deserved win when ordered by team bosses to move over just metres from the chequered flag.

The embarrassed 33-year-old, who extended his lead in the championship to 27 points, pulled Barrichello on to the victory podium and gave him the winner's trophy after benefiting from team orders for the second year running in Austria.

The FIA responded to calls for an investigation into the result, which brought universal condemnation from rival team bosses and left a cloud hanging over the sport.

Schumacher, who was also crowned International Sportsman of the Year by the Variety Club in London yesterday, collected his award at a star-studded ceremony in Monte Carlo.

Jennifer Capriati, the reigning French and Australian Open tennis champion, picked up the Sportswoman of the Year title, finishing ahead of fellow American Venus Williams, recordbreaking pole vaulter Stacy Dragila, swimmer Inge de Bruijn and golfer Annika Sorenstam.

The Australian cricket team, who stretched their world record winning streak in Test matches to 16 last year, were named Laureus World Team of the Year.

Wimbledon tennis champion Goran Ivanisevic won the Comeback of the Year award, while another Formula One driver, Juan Pablo Montoya, was voted World Newcomer of the Year.

Brazilian skateboarder Bob Burnquist was named World Alternative Sportsperson of the Year, and wheelchair tennis player Esther Vergeer was chosen as World Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability.

New Zealand yachting legend Sir Peter Blake, who was murdered by pirates in the Amazon last year, was posthumously awarded both the Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award and the Laureus Sport for Good Award.

Blake's awards were presented to his widow, Lady Pippa, by Sir Sean Connery.

F1 2002 - essential guide