Olazabal hopeful for Ballesteros
by Michelle Fortune, 13 October 2008
Jose Maria Olazabal and Sam Torrance have offered their best wishes to Seve Ballesteros as he prepares to undergo a biopsy on a brain tumour.
Ballesteros was admitted to La Paz hospital in Madrid after fainting last Monday and numerous tests over the weekend discovered the tumour. He will undergo a biopsy on Tuesday before deciding how to proceed, but the 51-year-old is determined to face up to whatever obstacles put in his path.
"I have always sympathised with those people who face illnesses. Therefore, I want to remind them that with bravery, faith, serenity, confidence and a lot of mental strength, we have to face any situation no matter how difficult it may be," he said in a statement.
"I want to thank from the bottom of my heart all those people who have shown affection and interest in my state of health, with all kinds of support. Many thanks."
Olazabal visited Ballesteros in hospital and was pleased to issue an upbeat report on his compatriot.
"While I'm rightly worried, I thought Seve seemed very well. We were talking for a good while. I wish him a speedy recovery," Olazabal said.
Former European Ryder Cup captain Torrance added: "Well it's tragic news obviously, he's one of the best-ever players. There's not much more I can say. I have many fond memories of playing with him and against him.
"I was on tour before he started and I was on tour after he finished, so I was a witness to his glorious career. I hope he gets better."