Alex Marshall out of Games

Published on Tuesday 1 December 2009 21:34

SCOTLAND'S Commonwealth Games preparations were dealt a major blow yesterday when it was announced that Alex Marshall, the world No1, has withdrawn from the eight-man team who were up for selection for a place in the six-strong team to compete in Delhi next autumn.

Marshall has held the pairs title for the last two Games – winning with George Sneddon in Manchester in 2002 and then Paul Foster in Melbourne four years ago and it was expected he would get the opportunity to go for a record-breaking third title in a row.

The 42-year-old from Tranent has decided that he will not have the time to commit fully to the squad in its preparations for 2010, although he will remain in the High Performance Squad.

He said: "I have given this a lot of thought. From my previous experiences I know only too well that in order to compete and win at this level you have to put the time and commitment into it. This year I need to focus my time on many things, so I can't give the time it needs and my team-mates would deserve the best of me."

Marshall has also called off from Scotland's Commonwealth selection Test Series against Ireland at Cumbernauld this weekend.

No other squad member is expected to be called into the vacated position.