Aussie Hockey player McGurk out of Games

SYDNEY: Defending champions Australia have lost a second key player for next month’s New Delhi Commonwealth Games with Kobie McGurk withdrawing through injury, Hockey Australia said on Friday.

Scans have revealed that McGurk has a stress fracture in her foot, ruling her out of the Delhi Games.

It is a double blow for the Australians following a knee injury to fellow defender Teneal Attard, while defensive veteran Kim Walker has retired from international field hockey.

McGurk will be replaced in the Australian squad by Anna Flanagan, 18, who has played 13 internationals since her debut this year.

Australia beat India 1-0 to win the gold medal at the 2006 Melbourne Games.