TEAM Wales have been hit by two late Commonwealth Games withdrawals after judo ace Kyle Davies and weightlifter Faye Pittman were forced to pull out over the weekend.
Glasgow 2014 gets under way with the opening ceremony tomorrow at Celtic Park but Davies and Pittman won’t be involved.
Davies, who was due to compete in the 66kg category, tweeted: “It is with great sadness I’ve had to withdraw from the Commonwealth Games, due to a serious knee [injury]. Sorry to let team Wales down and my friends.”
Davies has been replaced by Brandon Dodge in the Welsh judo team.
Pittman, who was due to compete in the 63kg section, also tweeted: “Good luck to all @TeamWales. Gutted I’m not able to compete but sure you will all do the country proud.”
Pittman will not be replaced meaning there are currently 231 Team Wales athletes competing in Glasgow.
Wales lost triathlete Helen Jenkins last week who joined fellow world champion Non Stanford on the sidelines along with cycling golden girl Becky James from Abergavenny.
Ebbw Vale boxer Ashley Brace misses out after being deemed ineligible due to her previous exploits in the kick boxing ring.
Brace and her Torfaen Warriors coach Simon Weaver have appealed the decision of the Amateur International Boxing Association without success.
The Argus understands that Brace’s family have spent thousands of pounds on tickets and hotel rooms in Glasgow but they will not see the 22-year-old in action.
And Olympic athlete Gareth Warburton is also missing following his suspension last week after being accused of an anti-doping violation.
Commenting on Warburton’s exclusion, Welsh Olympic legend Lynn Davies said: “I know Gareth well and he is such a nice lad. I was extremely shocked and disappointed to hear the news and it’s the first such case in Welsh Athletics I can remember.
“But at the same time it does send out a powerful message to young Welsh athletes that this can happen to one of their own on the brink of a Commonwealth Games. Someone has tested positive and won’t be going to Glasgow.
“This is a warning and unfortunately Gareth has tested positive. There are no excuses now and the message is you are responsible for what you put in your own mouth.”
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