Thursday, March 26, 2009

Ballesteros needs more treatment

Seve Ballesteros
Ballesteros was diagnosed with the brain tumour in October 2008

Seve Ballesteros is set to undergo a fourth round of chemotherapy as he continues treatment of a cancerous brain tumour.

In a statement, the 51-year-old said blood tests from his third round of chemotherapy confirmed he could begin a fourth course starting on 28 March.

Ballesteros added that his spirits were high and thanked fans for the support.

The five-time major winner has had four operations to remove a cancerous tumour since it was diagnosed last October.

His former Ryder Cup partner Jose Maria Olazabal, who has recently battled rheumatism and fatigue, has paid tribute to the way Ballesteros has dealt with the condition.

"I've seen him once and talk to him every now and then, and he is doing the same thing he used to do on the course - he never gives up," Olazabal said.

"He is trying hard every day and that's quite impressive."

In January, Ballesteros expressed his optimism after receiving the test results from his first course of chemotherapy.

"Fortunately, the results were quite good," he said.

"I am very motivated and working hard, although I am aware that my recovery will be slow and therefore I need to be patient and have a lot of determination.

606: DEBATE

The Spaniard, who won the Open three times and the Masters twice, was admitted to hospital in early October after fainting at Madrid Airport, and subsequently underwent a six-and-a-half hour procedure on 24 October to remove the tumour.

He also recorded 50 career victories on the European Tour and is widely recognized as having transformed European golf.

Ballesteros retired from competitive playing in 2007 because of back trouble and since then has mainly concentrated on designing courses.

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