MONCHENGLADBACH, Sept 16: IOC president Jacques Rogge presented Netherlands’ Teun de Nooijer with his third award of international hockey player of the year at the men's World Cup Championship on Saturday.

And Germany's Christopher Zeller received the award of young (U-23) player of the year.

De Nooijer also received the award in 2003 and 2005 and is regarded as the ultimate playmaker in hockey with the ability to change a game with a long pass or a withering run through the midfield.

For Zeller the award was a later birthday present as he celebrated his 22nd birthday two days ago.

Zeller is the second highest goal scorer at the World Cup with two field goals and three penalty corner conversions.

Eight players were nominated for the senior award and six for the junior award by coaches and media representatives at the World Cup.

The awards were determined by a ballot by all players and coaches from the 12 competing teams.—AFP