Darts star instantly removed from World Championship after failing drug test

Dom Taylor has been disqualified from the PDC World Darts Championship after failing a drugs test.

The 27-year-old returned an ‘adverse analytical finding’ following his first round match at Alexandra Palace.

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Taylor beat Oskar Lukasiak 3-0 during the afternoon session on Sunday, December 14.

The victory included a trio of 100+ checkouts from the Ally Pally debutante.

He had been due to face Jonny Clayton in the second round on Saturday evening.

However, ‘the Ferret’ has now received a bye into the last 32 as a result of Taylor being removed from the draw.

The fifth seed will face either Michael Smith or Niels Zonneveld in the third round after Christmas.

DRA statement

A statement from the PDC’s governing body, the Darts Regulation Authority, read: “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.”

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Taylor had been making his debut at the PDC World Darts Championship after missing out 12 months ago.

The Tower had qualified last year but was suspended by the DRA ahead of the Players Championship Finals.

He ultimately received a one-month ban for a failed drugs test after it was determined the banned substance was not performance enhancing and had been taken outside of competition.

Having returned to the PDC Pro Tour this year following his ban, Taylor once again qualified through the Pro Tour Order of Merit.

Taylor reached two floor event semi-finals in 2025 along with a further quarter-final in May.

The Bristol-born dartist had reflected on his previous ban after beating Lukasiak last weekend.

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Speaking in his post-match press conference, Taylor was asked how difficult it had been to return from the suspension.

He admitted: “Massively, biggest let down of my life. But I’ve rebounded back, and here we are.”

As a result of Taylor’s removal from the draw and Clayton’s walkover victory, Saturday’s evening session will feature just three matches.

The opening night of second round action will be headlined by Stephen Bunting’s clash with Nitin Kumar.

Meanwhile, former world champion Smith faces Zonneveld in the first match of the evening.

Chris Dobey’s meeting with Andrew Gilding completes the line-up of last 64 matches.