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Seve Ballesteros diagnosed with brain tumour

12/10/2008

Legendary golfer Seve Ballesteros has been diagnosed with a brain tumour after spending almost a week in hospital undergoing numerous tests.

The 51-year-old was taken to Madrid's La Paz hospital on Monday after he felt dizzy and lost consciousness at Barajas airport. He was released from intensive care on Friday, but Ballesteros revealed today that doctors have found a tumour in his brain and he will have a biopsy on Tuesday to determine how he will be treated.

Ballesteros has vowed to use all his strength to fight an illness which he described as "the most difficult game of my life".

"Throughout my entire career I have been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on the golf course," he sAid. "And now I want to be the best, facing the most difficult game of my life, using all my strength and also counting on those who have been sending me get-well messages.

"Now I've been able to tell my three children personally and their mother, now I can tell you the illness that I am suffering from. After the exhaustive tests that I have undertaken in the Hospital La Paz they have detected a brain tumour."

He added: "I have always sympathised with those people who face illnesses. Therefore, I want to remind them that with bravery, faith, serenity, confidence and a lot of mental strength, we have to face any situation no matter how difficult it is."

Ballesteros also thanked all the people who have shown "affection and interest in my state of health" and said he would inform the public of the progress he makes with the illness.

The Spanish great had a remarkable career in which he won 87 titles, including five majors. He won the Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988 and the Masters in 1980 and 1983.

Ballesteros is also a legendary figure in the Ryder Cup, winning 20 points from the 37 matches he played. He also captained Europe to victory in Valderamma in 1997.