Dom Taylor thrown out World Darts Championship after failing second drugs test

Dom Taylor has been removed from the 2025/26 World Darts Championship after failing a drugs test for the second time.

Taylor was 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 has now failed a drugs test for the second time and has been thrown out of the sport’s showpiece event at Alexandra Palace.

The PDC’s governing body, the Darts Regulation Authority, released the following statement on Friday:

‘In line with its ongoing anti-doping procedures the PDC and DRA are conducting drug testing during the 2025/26 Paddy Power World Darts Championship at Alexandra Palace.

‘On 19 December, the DRA was notified of an adverse analytical finding in respect of the player Dom Taylor resulting from a test conducted on 14 December.

‘As a result of this and in line with relevant DRA processes, Dom Taylor has been suspended from participating in any DRA regulated events with immediate effect.

‘This matter will now be the subject of a disciplinary process in line with the relevant DRA Anti-Doping Rules.

‘The DRA will not be making any further comment pending the outcome of this confidential process.’

As a result of this, Taylor’s scheduled second round opponent – Jonny Clayton – will receive a Bye through to round three.

Taylor defeated Sweden’s Oskar Lukasiak in straight sets in Round One on Sunday December 14, dropping just one leg along the way.

The Bristolian was then subject to a random post-match drugs test, which subsequently returned an adverse analytical finding.

In 2024, he 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.