Ballesteros: No suicide attempt
2007-07-12 22:01
London - Spanish golf legend Severiano Ballesteros has rubbished claims he recently attempted suicide and insisted he is in good health.
A Spanish television programme had reported that the 50-year-old had taken an overdose in despair following the recent death in a car crash of a close female friend, and there has also been speculation that he is suffering from heart problems.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Ballesteros said he felt forced to respond to the reports.
It said: "Due to increasing rumours centred on me that are being spread out mainly by the tabloid press, I wish to distribute this release to declare and confirm that I am doing perfectly well.
"I have received a great number of telephone calls from friends and admirers from all over the world. I do appreciate their interest and hence feel obliged to send this note in order to ask for respect.
"In the past, falsehood about me was let out and I never answered back because I do not speak about my private life. If I do now it is because different twisted statements about my state of health have been circulating. Thank you, Severiano Ballesteros."
Ivan Ballesteros, the nephew and manager of the 1997 Ryder Cup captain, told British newspapers that his uncle had been treated for an irregular heartbeat but intended to be at Carnoustie next week for the British Open.
He has not entered the tournament after returning rounds of 86 and 80 to finish last at the US Masters earlier this year.
- SAPA