Nigerian paddler withdraws with malaria: doubles partner

By Sudipto Ganguly

NEW DELHI (Reuters) - Nigerian table tennis player Ekundayo Nasiru has pulled out of the men's singles competition at the Commonwealth Games because of malaria, his doubles partner said on Saturday.

Nasiru's withdrawal from Saturday's qualifiers leaves Nigeria with only four fit players in the men's team.

Monday Merotohun, men's doubles gold medallist at the Melbourne Games four years ago, was concerned he would not be able to defend his title due to his partner's illness.

"He is very sick. He has not been able to eat for the last two days," he said.

"I am not sure if they will allow me to switch partners at this late stage but if they don't, that will mean I will not even get to play."

There was no indication as to whether Nasiru had contracted the disease in Delhi and Nigerian Chef de Mission Elias Usman Gora told Reuters he had yet to receive a report on the matter.

More than 1,000 cases of malaria, including three deaths, have been reported in the Indian capital since June and organisers have tried a number of methods, including 'mosquito fish', to stop the spread of the disease.

Several athletes pulled out of the Games because of health concerns and the athletes' village had earlier registered a case of dengue, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

Dr HP Singh, director of the athletes' village clinic, told Reuters no case of malaria had been reported to him.