Dom Taylor THROWN OUT of World Darts Championship after failing a drugs test

Dom Taylor has been kicked out of the World Darts Championship after failing a drugs test last Sunday.

The 27-year-old, ranked 65th in the world, was due to play in the second round against Jonny Clayton on Saturday evening after beating Oskar Lukasiak 3-0 in the first round.

However, Clayton how now received a bye into the third round.

In January, Taylor was given a one-month ban after failing a drugs test at the Players Championship Finals in November 2024, so this is his second offence.

A potential two-year ban was reduced after the Englishman proved the substance was not performance-enhancing and was taken outside of competition, while also committing to completing a three-month treatment programme approved by UK Anti-Doping.

Random doping tests are being conducted at Alexandra Palace during the tournament.

On Friday afternoon the Professional Darts Corporation’s (PDC) governing body, the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA), released a statement which read: ‘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.’