Chanderpaul - file

TAUNTON, England CMC:

Prolific West Indies batsman celebrated his capture of the world Cricketer-of-the-Year title with 93 for Durham in the English County Championship yesterday.

The brilliant left-hander batted a shade over two and a half hours, faced 176 balls and struck nine fours and two sixes, as Durham closed on 265 for three in reply to Somerset's 224 all out.

Chanderpaul shared a 174-run stand for the third wicket with Michael Di Venuto who stroked an unbeaten 131, facing 278 balls and stroking 16 fours and one six, in just over six hours of batting.

Chanderpaul was required after Durham slipped to 59 for two after resuming at 45 for one, and he responded as he has done for the West Indies throughout his sterling career.

He was positive in his stroke play emphasised in his successive sixes over long on off left-arm spinner Ian Blackwell.

Fast bowler Charl Willoughby finally removed him, playing on attempting to cut with his century in sight.