Baldini's positive test confirmed

World number one foil fencer Andrea Baldini will definitely miss the Beijing Olympics after failing a second doping test for a banned diuretic.

Last week, the 22-year-old was withdrawn from the Italian squad after the positive test at the European Championships in Kiev.

He was replaced by Andrea Cassara but could have been reinstated if his B sample had proved to be negative.

But on Monday, his second test proved positive and his exclusion confirmed.

Baldini, who was one of the favourites to win gold, has asked for a DNA test to be conducted on his sample.

"I'm disconcerted, sad and it's an ugly thing for the world of fencing"
Giorgio Scarso

"I'm disconcerted, sad and it's an ugly thing for the world of fencing," said Giorgio Scarso, president of the Italian Fencing Federation, when the initial test result was revealed.

"If he did something wrong he has to be punished. If, however, the analysis was wrong then he should be rehabilitated.

"It's a very strong signal to our athletes to be extremely cautious when using any kind of medicine, even if it's widely available in hospitals and pharmacies."

A statement on the federation's website spoke of its "complete shock at a controversy that involves an athlete that has always been distinguished for his sportsmanship and correctness."

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