GOLF DIGEST:DOCTORS AT Madrid's La Paz hospital have declared Seve Ballesteros's third brain operation a success. Yesterday's surgery lasted over six hours and was intended to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by by an oedema, and to remove remaining tumour tissues.
Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumour earlier this month and had already had two operations - the second to reduce swelling on the brain.
A statement issued by the hospital read: "The patient Mr Severiano Ballesteros has been subjected to a new surgery that ended at 17.00 today with no complications occurring.
"In the operation, the aims originally planned have been achieved and the oedema and the remnants of the tumour eliminated.
"The patient is stable . . . and is currently under observation in the intensive care unit."
CHALLENGE TOUR:An astonishing round of 61 upgraded John Morgan's status from also-ran to joint tournament leader with compatriot Richard Bland on day three of the Apulia San Domenico Grand Final.
Morgan, who began the week ranked 27th and therefore outside qualification for the full European Tour, reached the turn in just 28 shots after notching six birdies in nine holes at the picturesque San Domenico Golf Resort in Puglia, Italy.
Four more birdies on the back nine moved Morgan, who started the day in a tie for 18th place, to 13 under par, level with Bland, who came home in 32 for a round of 67.
Morgan's round, his lowest in tournament golf, broke the course record and put him within sight of a place in the money-spinning Race to Dubai.
"I just had to get myself back in the game, and I think I've done that," he said. "It was a crazy round of golf. I missed four putts from around eight feet, so a 59 was definitely there for the taking. You're not going to believe this, but I had 59 in my head from about the sixth or seventh hole. I just felt it was going to be my day."
Michael Hoey shot a fine, four-under-par 67 to move to five under overall and tied for 21st. That gives the former British Amateur champion, who entered the tournament ranked 28th on the tour, an outside chance of sneaking into the magical top 20.
Gareth Maybin is best of the Irish on eight under par after a 68.
Morgan, meanwhile, is hoping to continue his good work today.
"To make 10 birdies is pretty special, but to not make any bogeys was just as important. The only time I was in trouble was when I missed the green on the 15th hole, but I sunk a cracker of a putt to save par. Then on the next hole I sunk another 15-foot putt for birdie, and I just had to laugh," he added.
"It's a funny old game. I shot 73 yesterday, and then go and better it by 12 shots today. If I can finish it off tomorrow and get my European Tour card, I'll be the happiest man alive and my family can enjoy a great Christmas. If I don't, Christmas is cancelled this year!"
Morgan will play in the final group with Bland, whose chances looked to be ebbing away until a birdie at the 11th hole sparked a scoring spree which culminated in an eagle on the 17th.
The 35-year-old will now seek his second victory after claiming his first at the Challenge Tour Grand Final in 2001. He said: "I think I'm one over on the front nine and 14 under coming home, so I may just ask if I can start on the 10th tee and just play the back nine twice tomorrow!Hopefully I can finish it off tomorrow, because I should've won at least once this season.
Scotland's Andrew McArthur is one shot back on 12 under par, alongside Estanisloa Goya and Brazilian Alexandre Rocha.
