Seve Ballesteros undergoes fourth operation

Seve Ballesteros underwent further surgery on Tuesday, this time to remove fluid on his brain. Ballesteros will remain in intensive care at the La Paz hospital in Madrid, but his condition is thought to be stable.

Surgeons inserted a valve in the Spaniard’s brain to eliminate the fluid and during the procedure they also fixed a bone defect, which was caused by an earlier operation. A hospital spokesperson declined to say if the recent operation was a sign that the 51-year-old had taken a turn for the worse.

Ballesteros was initially diagnosed with the tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid airport in October. He underwent three operations to remove the growth and his condition improved to the extent he was allowed home to his family in November, although doctors warned him that the recovery would take a long time.

The five-time Major winner retired from golf last year after numerous knee and back problems. He was also admitted to hospital in 2007 after doctors found an irregular heartbeat. The Spaniard won 87 titles in his prestigious career, including three Open Championships and two Masters titles.

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