Ballesteros confirms brain tumour
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Seve Ballesteros made the announcement after a series of tests were carried out at La Paz hospital. Photograph: Glenn Campbell/AFP/Getty Images
Seve Ballesteros, the winner of five of golf's majors, said last night that doctors at a Madrid hospital had detected a tumour in his brain. A biopsy will be performed tomorrow to determine whether the tumour is malignant and if it should be operated on.
"Following exhaustive tests that have been carried out on me at La Paz hospital, a cerebral tumour has been found," the 51-year-old Spaniard said in a statement. "A biopsy will be carried out and after that it will be the doctors who decide how to proceed.
"Throughout my career I've been one of the best at overcoming obstacles on a golf course and now I want to be the best as I face the most difficult match of my life with all my strength," he said.
The golfer has been inundated with letters and messages of support since being taken to hospital a week ago after suffering a fainting fit. Yesterday he said he would draw extra strength from "those of you who are sending me your messages of encouragement".