CRUEL WORLD 2....

Yesterday, I complained about the world being cruel to Gordon Brown because, however well he might do, he will always be shadowed by the murky history of New Labour`s unforgiveable past. Well, on reflection, maybe the world isn`t so cruel to him after all.

Now, I can`t think of many sporting heroes who are instantly known the world over by something less than their `proper` name. "JPR," the incomparable Welsh rugby full-back was one, of course. So too is "Seve."

Severiano Ballesteros lies seriously ill with a brain tumour. Now that is cruel. For here is a man of instinctive charm, towering talent and a charisma which endeared him to countless millions who love the game of golf as well as those who have never raised a club in anger. It really doesn`t seem fair that he should now, at the age of just 51 and with a lifetime of achievement behind him, face the prospect of such a daunting battle.

As one whose own golf borders on the hilarious and could not possibly be any further away from the genius of "Seve," I can but humbly and simply wish him well for a full recovery.