Ballesteros' condition improves

Seve Ballesteros' condition has improved as he remains in Madrid's La Paz hospital recovering from brain surgery.

Ballesteros last week underwent a lengthy procedure to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by an edema and to remove remaining tumour tissues.

A statement from the La Paz hospital on Wednesday said: "The patient Mr Severiano Ballesteros has a favourable trend in his neurological status, but needs to be further controlled in the Intensive Care Unit."

Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month and before Friday's surgery he had already undergone two operations - the second to reduce swelling on the brain.

Meanwhile, a spokesperson for the hospital confirmed Ballesteros had also had a tracheotomy to help him breathe.

"It is true that he has a tracheotomy but, like many other procedures, it is customary and is part of the protocols established for similar cases," the spokesperson said in a statement.