Baldini's 'B' sample tests positive

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

ROME (AFP) — Any slim hope Italy foil fencer Andrea Baldini may have had of competing in the Beijing Olympics were dashed Monday when his positive test for a banned diuretic was confirmed by the B sample.

The world number one controlled positive for furosemide at the European Championships in Kiev last month.

The result of the second sample was released by the Italian fencing federation

"We take note of this result with regret," the federation said in a statement.

"Our surprise is even greater as Baldini had been frequently subjected to controls which were always negative," the statement added.

Baldini claims he has fallen victim to a conspiracy, telling Italian media at the weekend: "I do not have any proof...But if I did not take the drug...