Dom Taylor issues statement following positive drugs test at the World Darts Championship

Dom Taylor has apologised for “blatant lying” after he was booted out of the World Darts Championship for failing a drugs test.

After being handed a one-month suspension in November 2024 after returning a positive sample for a banned substance during a Players Championship event, the 27-year-old failed a drugs test for the second time and has been thrown out of the sport’s showpiece event at Alexandra Palace.

Taylor was subject to a random test following his straight sets win over Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak in the first round on Sunday December 14.

On Friday, it was revealed the test had return an ‘adverse analytical finding’ and that Taylor had been removed from the World Championship, with his scheduled opponent Jonny Clayton receiving a bye into Round Three.

Taylor, who returned to PDC competition in January after serving his initial ban, is now set to face a much lengthier spell on the sidelines.

In a post on his Facebook page on Sunday, Taylor apologised for the failed test, citing personal issues and vowing to seek help.

He posted: ‘I am sorry to every single one of my family, friends, sponsors, management team and most important of all, you guys, all my fans be it outside of darts or inside of darts, the game/sport I love the most.

‘Also I need to apologise for blatant lying to you all in my interview after my win against Oskar last week, as I have been lying to myself and everyone else around me.

‘I did complete and finish the course that I was required to do at the end of last/beginning of this year, along with every thing else I was required to do and sanctions.

‘It is no excuse but all I can put it down to is the traumas I had in my early teen life, finding my deceased nan in bed at the age of 12, then within a year multiple other events happened including my brother having a heart attack and being non-responsive for 45 mins along with a very close friend dying of a brain tumour which all hit me very very hard, my parents being the great parents they are got me counselling and help at the time but in hindsight I should of had more that just that little bit.

‘I have let many of people down to say the least but most importantly I have let down 4 main people, my 2 daughters and my 2 biggest fans of which my grampy passed before I made it, but my dad on the other hand who is of course always supporting me ringing me with words of encouragement and advise from his experience playing the game pushing to high levels but not quite to the mark I was able to despite all of his health issues which is always on my mind too.

‘Not to mention the rest of my family at home who support constantly and the man who drives me everywhere.

‘All I’ve ever wanted was just to make everyone proud which I hope I have done until this moment, I know everyone including my dad and family are very upset and disappointed in me.

‘The anniversary of my daughters death this year hit me very hard too and that’s when I started struggling with my mental health again and turned back to substances to allow my body and head cope with things, not needing to worry about anything.

‘It was only darts that I would be able to focus on and not have my own thoughts be running around my head and things popping up that I wouldn’t know what was actually going on around me and I would be a blank person.

‘I never did it while at a PDC/DRA darts event as that would the way my mind is focused and busy with the only thoughts in my head are numbers and where my next darts are going, speaking to people and being active social, although social anxiety would be there I was doing the thing I love most so I was able to block it out but away from darts is when things are a struggle in my head.

‘I couldn’t be playing darts 24/7 or practicing in all of my spare time with dealing and going through dartitis twice in my career aged 16 & 20, I have to put the work in but also limit myself.

‘I now know that I should have spoken to someone be it my management, family or the PDPA but that’s all good saying afterwards when your worlds crashes down after you think you can handle everything as you always have done and tried to think your being the strong tough person and can deal with it all yourself.

‘Things didn’t help that I recently missed my uncles funeral as I was playing at the Players Championships trying to secure qualification to the Worlds (I know how Cammy feels) and he knows where I am if he wants to chat.

‘Again, these are not excuses nor am I trying to get myself out of anything, I am sincerely sorry to everyone and I will be getting the help I need.

‘Thank you to you all for your support and we will see you in time to come because I will be back to prove.

‘I’m sorry to you all.’

In late 2024, Taylor missed both the Players Championship Finals and World Championship, losing out on a minimum of £10,500 in prize money.

Taylor’s case was subject to a full hearing before the DRA Disciplinary Committee last December, where he admitted breaching Anti-Doping Rules.

Although he had tested positive in-competition, the committee were satisfied that the ingestion of the prohibited substance took place outside of competition and he was free to return to PDC competition in January.

Following his first round win at Ally Pally, Taylor described last year’s failed drugs test as “the biggest let down” of his life.