Sun Oct 12 21:49:55 2008

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Ballesteros fighting brain tumor

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Madrid, Spain (Sports Network) - Five-time major champion Seve Ballesteros confirmed Sunday that he has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Ballesteros, a three-time winner of the British Open, collapsed at a Madrid airport on Monday. Further tests through the week diagnosed the tumor.

"Throughout my whole career, I have been one of the best at facing obstacles on the golf course," said the 51-year-old Ballesteros in a statement on his Web site. "Now I want to be the best, facing the most difficult match of my life, with all my strength, and counting on all of you who are sending encouraging messages."

Doctors will perform a biopsy on Tuesday to determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant. After that procedure, doctors will be able to determine how to proceed.

Ballesteros is the all-time wins leader on the European Tour with 50. He has totaled 87 career wins worldwide. He also has accumulated a 20-12-5 record in eight Ryder Cup appearances.

The Spaniard has appeared in just five events between 2005 and 2008, including none this year, while battling a variety of injuries. Ballesteros last made the cut in a major championship at the 1995 British Open, where he tied for 39th.