Elena Baltacha Pulls Out Of Commonwealth Games

Elena Baltacha has pulled out of the Commonwealth Games over fears for her health.

The British number one was all set to represent Scotland at the Commonwealth Games in Delhi, which get underway at the weekend, but concerns for an already existing liver condition has forced her to rethink.
 
A statement read: "After a lot of thought and discussion, I have taken the heartbreaking decision to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games.
 
"I am incredibly disappointed because I was really excited about playing for Scotland but conditions in Delhi are such that going there would pose too high a risk to my health.
 
"I suffer from a liver condition which is linked to my immune system and makes me susceptible to picking up infections.

"At the age of 27 and after many years of hard work, I am now playing the best tennis of my career, and I cannot afford to jeopardize that by getting ill,"

Baltacha is just the latest athlete to pull out of the Games over health and safety concerns in Delhi. Phillips Idowu, world, European and Commonwealth champion, announced last week that he would not be defending his title.

While cyclists Geraint Thomas, Peter Kennaugh, Russell Downing and Ben Swift have all pulled out of the tournament.

FemaleFirst Helen Earnshaw