Hockey: Australia striker Abbott out of Olympics

SYDNEY: Star striker Des Abbott has withdrawn from the Australian men’s team for the London Olympics with a knee injury, Hockey Australia said yesterday. Abbott will be replaced by Russell Ford, who coach Ric Charlesworth admitted had been unlucky to miss original selection after also missing out on the 2008 Games. “Des is a walk-up start,” said Charlesworth. “If his game is uncompromised, he is one of the world’s most brilliant players, but the progressive knee injury has interfered in his game. This is the most difficult thing I’ve had to do in my time.Given the circumstances we felt Ford was the better option.” Australia are strong favourites for the gold medal in London.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 7^th, 2012.