MADRID, Spain -- Seve Ballesteros' third operation for a cancerous brain tumor has been completed without complications.

The 51-year-old Spanish golf great underwent 6 1/2 hours of surgery Friday to remove the rest of the tumor and reduce brain swelling. Madrid's La Paz Hospital says he is in stable condition and in the intensive care unit.

Ballesteros, who won three British Opens and two Masters, was admitted to the hospital Oct. 6 after briefly losing consciousness at Madrid's international airport. On Oct. 14, a sizable part of the tumor was taken out.

Friday's surgery was intended to alleviate pressure on the brain caused by by an edema, and to remove remaining tumor tissues.

Ballesteros, the 51-year-old five-time major winner, was diagnosed with a tumor earlier this month and has already had two operations -- the second to reduce swelling on the brain.

"The patient Mr. Severiano Ballesteros has been subjected to a new surgery that ended at 1700 (5:00 p.m. local time) today with no complications occurring," said a statement issued by hospital officials.

"In the operation, the aims originally planned have been achieved and the edema and the remnants of the tumor eliminated," it said. "The patient entered the operating room of the neurosurgery service at 0830 for the preparation and process anaesthetic and the intervention began at 1030.

"It has involved three neurosurgeons, two anaesthesiologists and three nurses," it added. "The patient is stable ... and is currently under observation in the intensive care unit."