Saudi runner is second competitor to fail dope test at Asiad

HANGZHOU - Saudi distance runner Mohammed Yousef Alasiri has become the second reported doping case at the Asian Games and has been provisionally suspended, officials said.

The 34-year-old had a sample collected on Sept 26 during out-of competition testing and did not take part in the men's 10,000m four days later.

He was also scheduled to race in the 5,000m later Wednesday, but will no longer compete.

The International Testing Agency, which is conducting dope-testing at the Games in Hangzhou, said that Alasiri tested positive for the banned substance darbepoetin, which enhances endurance.

"The athlete has been informed of the case and has been provisionally suspended with immediate effect," the ITA said.

"He has the right to request the analysis of the B-sample."

Afghan boxer Mohammad Khaibar Nooristani on September 28 became the first known case of doping at the Games and was also provisionally suspended.

Nooristani, who was defeated in the preliminary rounds of the 71kg weight class in Hangzhou, tested positive for two banned substances, both anabolic steroids, the ITA said. - AFP