ROYAL TROPHY:SEVE BALLESTEROS is planning to return to golf next year as captain of Europe's Royal Trophy team after starting rehabilitation following brain surgery, the Spaniard's nephew said yesterday.

The five-time major winner, who underwent several operations to remove a tumour late last year, is making solid progress in his recovery, Ivan Ballesteros said at the launch of this week's competition between Europe and Asia in Bangkok.

"He's very positive, he's walking every day, he's determined to get better," said Ivan Ballesteros. "It's still too early to tell if he will play again, but one of his goals is to be Europe captain at the Royal Trophy next year, and he's serious about it."

Ballesteros, who drove his uncle to hospital the night he collapsed at Madrid airport in October, said the weeks that followed were like a "horrible dream".

"We all thought it was a nightmare," he added. "The worst was the third operation, we really didn't know if he would make it."

Ballesteros (51), was instrumental in the creation of the Royal Trophy matchplay event and led Europe to victory in the first two editions in 2006 and 2007.

Ballesteros reiterated his determination to make a full recovery in a letter read by his nephew at the opening ceremony.

"Even though I'm not there today, somehow my heart and my thoughts are there with you," read Ivan, a promoter of the event, on behalf of his uncle.

"I'm at home recovering and working hard every day. I will keep fighting and doing all in my heart and in my head to win my most difficult match. I hope I see you again next year, hopefully defending the title once again as captain of the European side."

Jose-Maria Olazabal, who stepped in to captain Europe in his great friend's absence, was visibly moved as the letter was read. The double US Masters champion revealed he has been in regular contact with Ballesteros and his indomitable spirit remains.

"His only instructions were to win," added Olazabal. "I've seen Seve a few times in the last few weeks. He's actually doing very well considering what he has gone through. His spirits are very high, he's really working hard at the rehab, he's trying to recover completely and he's getting stronger so he can get chemotherapy treatment and so on.

"He's in great spirits, he's thinking of doing things and, as Ivan said, he's aiming to be healthy again and to battle this thing.

"So far the news has been very, very good."