Argentine men's single sculls rower Santigo Fermadez has withdrawn prior to the semifinal C/D due to an illness, according to an official communication issued here Wednesday.

The official paper, signed by President of the Jury Patrick Rombaut, fell short of specifying what kind of illness was preventing the athlete from entering the race.

Argentina sent two rowers to Beijing Olympics for men's single sculls and women's single sculls races. Santigo was the last to finish the race in Monday's quarterfinal 4 with a result of 7 minutes 27.60 seconds.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2008)