Four-times European team champion Dimitrij Ovtcharov has tested positive for a banned drug and was suspended yesterday by Germany’s Table-Tennis Federation (DTTB).

According to the DTTB, the failed sample was taken at his home on August 23 and an analysis showed the presence of clenbuterol, an anabolic steroid.

The 22-year-old was part of the Germany team which won the team title for the fourth time at last week’s European Championships in Ostrava, the Czech Republic. He has already asked for the B-sample to be analysed.

Ovtcharov withdrew from the team event in the semi-final against France due to injury and did not participate in the individual tournament.

“When I found out, it was the worst day of my life,” said Ovtcharov after he was told on September 17.

“It was like when a family member dies.”

The Ukrainian-born athlete says he wants to ‘do everything to prove my innocence’.

Ovtcharov won the silver medal in the team event at the 2008 Olympic Games and 2010 World Championships.

If the B-sample also proves positive, Ovtcharov stands to be banned for two years as this is his first offence and would see him miss the Olympic Games in London.