SEVERIANO BALLESTEROS, the Spanish golfer who won five major championships and transformed the game in Europe, is still in critical condition in hospital.

The 51-year-old collapsed at Madrid Airport on October 6. He was admitted to Madrid’s La Paz hospital, where he was diagnosed with a brain tumour. He issued a statement saying that he faced the most difficult battle of his life.

Ballesteros had a 12-hour operation on Tuesday to remove the tumour. Further surgery on Thursday removed part of his skull to relieve pressure on his brain. He returned to intensive care. Since then, no medical bulletin has been issued. The results of the biopsy from the original operation have not been made public, so it is not known whether the tumour was benign or malignant.

Messages of support have been received from all over the world, from fellow golfers and other sporting figures, such as Rafael Nadal, the world’s No 1 tennis player. “Seve is one of the greatest Spanish sportsmen of all time,” said Nadal, who lost in the Madrid Masters yesterday.

One of Ballesteros’s most notable golfing adversaries, Paul Azinger, who suffered from cancer, sent his best wishes yesterday. “I don’t know what the prognosis is but I do know that Seve has been successful in everything he has ever done and is a fighter,” the American said. “We’re praying for the outcome to be successful.”

Lee Westwood spoke for many when he said: “Everybody on the European Tour makes a good living and owes nearly all of it to Seve.”

A tribute will be made before today’s game between Racing Santander, Ballesteros’s home club, on Spain’s north coast, and Deportivo la Coruña. The Santander players will warm up wearing shirts with a message of support. “Seve is almost a professional Santander supporter,” said Francisco Pernia, the club president. “When he can, he comes to inspire the players.”

There are also plans to honour Ballesteros at the Volvo Masters at Valderrama, the scene of his triumph as Ryder Cup captain in 1997.