China's Chen misses Rio 50m free after failing doping test

Chinese swimmer Chen Xinyi was a no-show for the 50m freestyle heats at the Rio Olympics Friday, a day after it emerged she had failed a drugs test.

Chen, the 2014 Asian Games champion in the 100m fly and 50m freestyle, had been slated to appear in the last of 12 heats of the 50m free on Friday, but did not line up.

The Chinese Swimming Association told the official Xinhua news agency that Chen had tested positive for the banned diuretic hydrochlorothiazide on Sunday, after her fourth-placed finish in the women's 100m butterfly.

Chen has applied to the International Olympic Committee for her B-sample to be tested and for a hearing, it added.

Diuretics increase urination rates and can be used as "masking agents" to hide the presence of performance-enhancing substances.

The CSA "resolutely opposes use of banned substances," Xinhua cited it as saying in a statement.

Source: AFP