TOKYO, Dec 28: Japanese golf legend Teruo Sugihara died on Wednesday after a long battle with prostate cancer in a career that spanned more than a half century and earned him the nickname “Don” of Japan’s pro tour.

Sugihara, who was 74, was also known as the “Viper” for his tenacity despite standing at just 160 centimetres (5.2 feet). He won 63 tournaments including the 1969 Hong Kong Open, his only overseas victory.

Sugihara, a former Osaka caddie who turned pro in 1957 and captured his first career title in 1962 at the Japan Open, was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 1997 and made his ailment public the next year.—AFP