Ballesteros out of intensive care

Severiano Ballesteros has left intensive care after his fourth operation, the Madrid hospital at which he is being treated have confirmed.

The five-time major winner underwent further surgery yesterday for the placement of a cephalorachidian fluid VP shunt.

At the same time, the surgical team treating the 51-year-old performed a cranioplasty to repair a bone defect.

He remained in intensive care overnight being moved back onto the ward today.

Ballesteros was diagnosed with a brain tumour after losing consciousness at Madrid Airport in October.

He underwent a lengthy operation on October 24 to reduce pressure on his brain and remove remaining tumour tissues following two previous operations.

On November 18 he had recovered sufficiently to leave intensive care, although a hospital statement did warn there was a long way to go.