Seve recovery progressing 'favourably'

Seve Ballesteros remains in intensive care although reports on his health suggest a favourable reaction to surgery on his brain tumour.  

The 51-year-old underwent a third operation last Friday to reduce brain swelling.

Reports earlier this week suggested that the Spaniard was beginning to show signs of improvement.

And now it appears Ballesteros is has shown further signs of recovery.

"(He) is stable and his neurological condition continues to progress favourably but he needs to remain in intensive care," a statement said.

The five-time Major winner was admitted to hospital earlier this month after he lost consciousness at Madrid Airport on route to a golf ambition.

After reassuring his fans that he was on the mend, Ballesteros announced days later that doctors had discovered a brain tumour and he has remained at La Paz Hospital ever since.

The initial operation was a success although abnormal brain swelling caused concern and required another operation to reduce pressure.

However, the Spaniard’s improvement will be a boost to the sport that has largely been on hold in the last few weeks – especially at Valderrama where rain has suspended play on the course where captain Seve led Europe to a famous Ryder Cup victory in 1997.