The 32-year-old enjoyed a memorable 2015, which began with his triumph at the United States Bowling Congress (USBC) Masters tournament, where he beat America's A.J Johnson 202-157 in the final.

It saw the Australian, who is famed for using the rare two handed shovel style, become the first bowler to win the event in three consecutive years.

Belmonte then successfully defended his Tournament of Champions title in February, where he defeated America’s Rhino Page 232–214 in the gold medal match.

He also recorded nine further top-five finishes during the remaining of the year, including ending as runner-up in the PBA Grand Oklahoma Open and PBA Maine Xtra Frame Shootout.

Ahead of being named as only the fourth man to win the award three times, joining Walter Ray Williams Jr, Mark Roth and Earl Anthony, Belmonte confirmed that his wife Kimberly had given birth to their third child, a baby girl.

“To join Walter Ray Williams Jr, Mark Roth and Earl Anthony as the only players in PBA history to win the Player of the Year award three years straight is one of the most proud things I ever thought I would be able to say," said Belmonte, who backed bowling's unsuccessful bid to be recommended for inclusion at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.

“I’m in no way even close to the realm of talent these three gentlemen are in, but they are the benchmarks I strive for, the ones who walk before us show us what greatness looks like.

“I want to be great and these guys inspire me to maybe one day get there.”

Belmonte received 47.36 per cent of the votes cast, with America’s Ryan Ciminelli finishing second on 43.22.

Meanwhile, 20-year-old Jesper Svensson of Sweden was announced as the winner of the 2015 Rookie of the Year prize.