Ballesteros begins chemotherapy

Golf: Seve Ballesteros today began a course of chemotherapy as he continues his recovery from a brain tumour.

Ballesteros returned to his home in northern Spain yesterday from Madrid, where he was released from hospital on December 9th.

"Today is Friday, and I have started me first chemotherapy session," Ballesteros said in a statement on his website.

"At this point, my thought is to rest and follow the neurosurgeon doctors Heredero, Isla and Perez Alvarez's indications - as well as the oncologist doctor Cristobel Belda's advice."

Ballesteros, a five-time major winner, was admitted to hospital in October after collapsing.

The 51-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumour and underwent a lengthy operation on October 24th to reduce pressure on his brain and remove remaining tumour tissues following two previous operations.

On November 18th he had recovered sufficiently to leave intensive care but was readmitted a fortnight later for further surgery.

In today's statement, he said he would provide a further update on his condition next month.