A national shuttler has been suspended from competitions pending a hearing after his second urine sample has again come back positive.

Badminton Association Malaysia (BAM) deputy president Norza Zakaria (below , however, said that Badminton World Federation regulations bars it from identifying the shuttler.

"We are informed by the Badminton World Federation that this matter will be referred to the BWF Doping Hearing Panel and now, due process will take place...

"Therefore, with this due process taking place, we are still at no liberty to reveal the name of the player," he told a press conference at Bukit Kiara.

Norza also stressed that dexamethasone, a substance found in the sample tested in Oslo, Norway on Nov 5, is not a performance enhancement drug.

It is widely-reported that the shuttler is world number one Lee Chong Wei.

Lee was also reported to have witnessed the unsealing of the second sample, dubbed 'sample B', prior to the testing.

The substance which was also found in the first test is a substance with anti-inflammatory properties.

 

Lee had gone through a random doping test during the World Championships in Copenhagen on Aug 30.

 

He risks a ban from the sport for up to two years.

The BAM was first informed of the doping claim on Oct 1 and had formed a committee to look into the matter.

BAM had previously said it was "shattered" by the news, but reserved comment until 'sample B' was tested.

"I would like to inform you that we believe that this player is a very hard working player and an exceptional individual.

"We also believe that this player has never resorted to shortcuts in his pursuit to achieve success," he said.

He said BAM will support and has provided legal assistance, through the London-based firm Morgan Sports Law LLP who specialises on such issues.

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