Italian ‘B’ sample tested positive

A backup sample taken from fencer Andrea Baldini came back positive for a banned substance, confirming the doping case that cost the Italian medal-hopeful his spot on the Olympic team.



The ‘B’ sample taken during last month’s European Championships in Ukraine confirmed the result of the first test, which was positive for the banned diuretic furosemide.



Baldini, 22, who won silver in the foil at the 2006 and 2007 world fencing championships, has denied taking the substance.



The diuretic is not considered a doping substance, but a masking agent that can be used to hide other drugs.