Ballesteros loses British Open fitness battle

STRAFFAN, Ireland (Reuters) – Three-times champion SeveBallesteros has lost his battle to get fit for the British Openin two weeks’ time.

A spokesman for Ballesteros said Thursday the 48-year-oldSpaniard would not play at St Andrews, venue for the second ofhis Open victories in 1984.

The five-times major winner was crippled and bedridden withback problems early last year but a fitness program left himoptimistic of making a comeback this year after not playingsince the April 2003 Seve Trophy.

That comeback was then put on hold after he injured a kneepracticing this April.

Determined to overcome his long-term back problems and anailing swing, Ballesteros had been putting in at least 20 hoursa week of practice, mostly at his Pedrena home.

It now seems certain he will hand over the playingcaptaincy for the Ryder Cup-style Seve Trophy in September,when his continental European team takes on Colin Montgomerie’sBritain and Ireland side.

The 134th British Open will be played over the Old Courseat St Andrews from July 14-17.