Sports Personality of the Year: Golfer Francesco Molinari named World Sport Star

Italian golfer Francesco Molinari has been named World Sport Star of the Year at the BBC's Sports Personality show.

The 36-year-old enjoyed a memorable 2018, most notably winning the Open Championship at Carnoustie in July to secure his first major and become the first Italian to win the title.

In September, he helped Europe to Ryder Cup victory over the United States.

In doing so, Molinari became the first European player to win all five of his matches.

He also won the PGA Championship at Wentworth in May.

Molinari went on to secure the European Tour's Race to Dubai title and, earlier in December, he was named European Tour Golfer of the Year.

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"It's unreal, to be honest," said Molinari of his award.

"I'm super proud to be here tonight. There are so many inspirational sporting stories. It gives us more motivation for next season."

He topped an online public vote to win the Sports Personality award, beating three other shortlisted nominees: US gymnast Simone Biles, Czech skier and snowboarder Ester Ledecka, and Ukrainian boxer Oleksandr Usyk.

Molinari is the first Italian to win the World Sport Star of the Year award - which was formerly known as the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year - and is the first golfer to win it since Tiger Woods in 2000.