Taiwanese baseball player banned for failing drug test

A Taiwanese baseball player was banned from competing in the team's first Olympic baseball game after testing positive following a drug test.

Taiwan Baseball Association announced third baseman Chang Tai-shan was not permitted to play in the team's opener on Wednesday against the Netherlands after being informed about the results by the International Olympic Committee.

Taiwan is one of eight baseball teams taking part in the Beijing Games and is considered a darkhorse for a medal.