Ballesteros ‘stable’ after 12-hour brain operation

Seve Ballesteros was today in a stable condition after undergoing 12 hours of surgery to remove a brain tumour.

Doctors, who were scheduled only to perform a biopsy, decided to operate on the golfer yesterday because of the severity of the situation.

A spokesman for Madrid's La Paz Hospital said: "The operation was concluded without complications. He is conscious and in a stable condition but may not receive visitors in the coming days until he has recovered from the surgery."

The tumour will be analysed and it will take several days before results are known and what course of treatment the Spaniard may need.

Ballesteros, 51, collapsed at Madrid Airport last week. After tests uncovered the tumour, he
confirmed the news in a statement, saying: "Throughout my entire career I have been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on the golf course. Now I want to be the best, facing the most difficult game of my life."

Ballesteros won The Open three times, the Masters twice and 50 European Tour events. He also captained Europe to Ryder Cup victory at Valderrama in 1997.