ROME: Italian fencer Andrea Baldini, who failed a dope test last month, had the existence of a banned diuretic confirmed in his B-sample on Monday, the Italian fencing federation (FIS) said.

Baldini, the world No 1 foil fencer, has asked for a DNA test to be carried out on the samples, the FIS said.

One of Italy's top hopes for an Olympic medal, Baldini tested positive for the diuretic furosemide at the European Championships in Kiev. He was excluded from the Olympic team and his place given to European champion Andrea Cassara.

Commenting on the positive B-test, the federation said: "FIS takes note of the result and reiterates its complete shock at a controversy that involves an athlete that has always been distinguished for his sportsmanship and correctness."

Source:China Daily