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Fears grow for Ballesteros

17/10/2008

Seve Ballesteros has been moved to the intensive care unit of a Madrid hospital after the golfer's condition deteriorated, local reports suggest.

The 51-year-old remains conscious but doctors have become increasingly concerned about his long-term health as they continue to conduct tests to determine whether his brain tumour is malignant or benign.

Ballesteros underwent emergency surgery to remove the tumour earlier this week - days after being admitted to hospital because he suffered a dizzy spell and briefly lost consciousness at Madrid airport.

Surgeons at La Paz hospital in the Spanish capital originally considered a biopsy but later chose to operate on the tumour immediately because of fears over the severity of the problem.

A 12-hour operation was described as "satisfactory" on Wednesday and he was said to be in a stable condition while awaiting further tests.

Ballesteros is one of the game's best-known players, having won five major titles in a glittering career and is a national hero in his native Spain.

According to Spanish sports daily Marca, Ballesteros' ex-wife Carmen Botin and his three children were all present at the hospital while the surgery was performed.