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Tiger Woods AP Male Athlete of the Year

Golfing great Tiger Woods edged the San Diego Chargers running back Ladainian Tomlinson and won the AP Male Athlete of the Year award for 2006. For Woods, who received 260 points from sports editors, 30 more than Tomlinson, it was the fourth title. Woods, 31, won eight times in 15 PGA Tour starts, finishing the season with six straight victories. Earlier in the year he has lost his father who died of cancer.

Woods greatness is highlighted when considering that tennis great Roger Federer came in third with 110 points following a season in which he accomplished an amazing 92-5 record and no less than 12 titles. Woods, who is friends with Federer, said of winning the award "What he`s done in tennis, I think, is far greater than what I`ve done in golf."

Tomlinson`s 31 touchdowns so far this season are an NFL record. There is still another game to be played in the regular season. He has not yet won the league`s MVP award, but is a favorite to do so by many, the AP vote an indication that he will. NBA finals MVP Dwyane Wade came in fourth, before MLB big hitters Albert Pujols and Ryan Howard.