Dom Taylor out of PDC World Darts Championship, suspended again after 'adverse analytical finding' during drug test

Dom Taylor has been suspended again after an 'adverse analytical finding' during routine drug testing at the PDC World Darts Championship and he is now out of the tournament.

The promising 26-year-old Englishman comfortably saw off Oskar Lukasiak on debut with an 85 average in one of the best performances of the first round but ahead of a potential tie with Jonny Clayton, he tested positive and he has been suspended pending DRA disciplinary process.

Clayton now receives a bye through to the third round of the PDC World Darts Championship as a result of this. Taylor was previously suspended just earlier this year after testing positive for a banned substance at a Players Championship in 2024.

He was given a one month ban after he withdrew shortly before a match against Michael Smith at the Players Championship Finals. He missed an Ally Pally debut as a result but returned at the World Masters. A potential two-year ban was reduced after he proved the substance was not performance enhancing and was taken outside of competition.

"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," said a statement released by the PDC.

"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."

He spoke after beating Lukasiak about dealing with his earlier suspension and how it felt. "Massively hard. Biggest letdown of my life," he stated. "But I’ve rebounded, and here we are."

He spoke about how he dealt with it. "Not speaking to anyone. Keeping myself to myself and practising." While the issue hasn't been resolved yet, it is a massive shame for a player so talented who in his words rebounded to be suspended again seemingly for a similar instance.