subject: Srixon Named Sponsors For Scottish Senior Open [print this page] Seve Ballesteros has sent an emotional message of support to the Royal Trophy which will get underway in Thailand on Friday January 9.
Ballestros was a driving force behind the creation of the annual match between Asia and Europe but he will be forced to miss this year's event because he is recovering from brain surgery after being diagnosed with a tumour.
The Spanish great, who collapsed at Madrid airport two months ago, was forced to step down as Europe's captain for the Royal Trophy because of his illness and he has been replaced by his compatriot Jose Maria Olazabal.
Although Ballesteros is now recovering at his home near Bilbao he took time out to send his good luck message to the competitors and tournament organisers.
At a press conference to introduce the teams and the competition sponsors, Ballesteros' nephew Ivan read a message expressing Seve's regret at not being able to attend this year's Royal Trophy - and vowing to return for t
The message read:
"Dear friends,
I hope you are all well and enjoying the opening ceremony of the Royal Trophy 2009. Even though I am not there with you today, my heart and my thoughts are with you.
"I would like to thank you all for the many messages of support that I have received from so many of you. Believe me, all of those messages have helped me very much in my recovery and rehabilitation process. I am now at home recovering and will keep fighting with all of my heart to win my most difficult match. I hope to see you next year, defending the Royal Trophy as Captain of the European Team.
"This is already the third edition of the event that was born in 2006. I really believe that this competition can help Asian golf to grow as The Ryder Cup has done in the past with European golf.
"I am receiving news every day of how things are going and I am aware that tournament is looking very good.
"From here I want to thank His Majesty the King of Thailand for his support and his donation of the Trophy. I also would like to thank all of our sponsors, Amata Spring Country Club, the players and both Captains.
"My special thanks to Jose Maria Olazabal for taking the role of European Captain. Jose Maria is not only a great champion, but one of my best friends.
"I will keep an eye on the event as I watch it on television here in Spain. I hope you all enjoy the event, and may I take this opportunity to wish you all a healthy and happy new year.
Thank you very much and good luck, all the best from your friend,
Seve Ballesteros."
This year's Royal trophy will be played at the Amata Spring Country Club in Bangkok from January 9 to 11.
