Formula One legend Murray Walker voted best commentator of all time

London, Dec. 2 (ANI): Legendary Formula One commentator Murray Walker has been voted as the world's greatest sports commentator of all time.

Walker, 86, who began broadcasting in 1948 and spent much of his career at the BBC, beat the BBC's voice of football John Motson into second place.

Former Wimbledon champion John McEnroe took the third place.

Renowned for his boyish enthusiasm and authoritative voice, Walker began his Formula One commentating in the 1970s and continued until his retirement in 2001.

"It is a huge honour to be recognised as the world's best commentator, particularly against so many sporting greats," The Sun quoted Murray, as saying.

"I love what I do. I'm a car fanatic and each morning I wake up with a smile on my face, whether I'm commentating on the Formula One or at Silver Hatch racetrack in Roary the Racing Car," he added.

Walker is known for his on-air gaffes - or "Murrayisms" - such as "With half the race gone, there's half the race still to go" and "here comes Damon Hill in the Williams. This car is absolutely unique - except for the one following it, which is identical".

BBC's John Motson, who was voted the second best commentator, has covered nine European Championships, nine World Cups and 34 FA Cup finals.

While McEnroe won seven Grand Slam titles, before retiring from the professional tour in 1992 and going on to commentate on tennis.

Retired BBC horse racing commentator Peter O'Sullivan took fourth place in the poll. He was the first sports broadcaster to be knighted by the Queen and is also a successful racehorse owner.

TOP 20 GREATEST COMMENTATORS OF ALL TIME

1.Murray Walker (Formula 1 motor racing)

2.John Motson (football)

3.John McEnroe (tennis)

4.Peter O'Sullivan (horse racing)

5.Brian Moore (football)

6.Martin Brundle (Formula 1 motor racing)

7.Sid Waddell (darts)

8.David Coleman (football, athletics)

9.Bill McLaren (rugby)

10.Richie Benaud (cricket)

11.Dan Maskell (tennis)

12.Harry Carpenter (boxing)

13.Barry Davies (football, tennis)

14.Peter Alliss (golf)

15.Stuart Hall (football)

16.Peter Jones (football, swimming, Olympics)

17.Eddie Waring (rugby league)

18.David Vine (snooker)

19.Geoffrey Boycott (cricket)

20.Dougie Donnelly (football, snooker, darts, bowls) (ANI)