Euorpean Golfer Ballesteros battles cancer

Golf legend Seve Ballesteros has been diagnosed with a brain tumor and will undergo a biopsy on Tuesday.

The Spaniard was admitted to Madrid's La Paz hospital on 6 October after briefly losing consciousness.

The hospital said on Friday he had left intensive care, having been "admitted because of a partial epileptic fit".

But on Sunday, Ballesteros, 51, said: "I inform you that after an exhaustive check that was realised at Hospital La Paz, a brain tumour has been detected."

Ballesteros said he will undergo a biopsy on Tuesday and then doctors would decide on a course of treatment and thanked all those people who have shown affection and interest in his state of health

Fellow star golfers Jose Maria Olazabal and Miguel Angel Jimenez have wished Ballesteros a speedy recovery.

Olazabal, who visited Ballesteros in hospital, said: "I thought Seve seemed very well. We were talking for a good while. I wish him a speedy recovery."

Jimenez said: "Seve, we love you. We hope you recover as soon as possible."

Ballesteros,a five-time major winner who suffered from an arthritic back and knee problems late in his career, retired in 2007.

He won 87 titles during his career, including the Open in 1979, 1984 and 1988 and the Masters in 1980 and 1983.

He also played an inspirational role in the Ryder Cup, winning 20 points from 37 matches, as well as captaining Europe to victory at the Spanish course of Valderrama in 1997.

My Thoughts

A sad day for European golf as one of their favorite sons is diagnosed. We all wish him a speedy and safe recovery!