British darts professional Dom Taylor has been dramatically suspended from the PDC World Darts Championship after returning an adverse finding in a drugs test, the sport's governing body has confirmed.
Immediate Suspension and Disciplinary Process
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) announced the suspension on Friday, stating it took effect immediately. The adverse analytical finding came from a test conducted on 14 December, just one day before the prestigious tournament began at London's Alexandra Palace.
"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," the DRA said in a statement. The authority confirmed that the matter will now proceed to a formal disciplinary process under its anti-doping rules.
Second Offence and Tournament Consequences
This marks the second time Taylor has failed a drugs test. He previously served a one-month ban in January this year for a violation that occurred in November last year. That initial suspension caused him to miss the World Championship and he faced a potential two-year ban, which was reduced as the substance was deemed non-performance enhancing and was taken outside of competition.
His latest suspension has direct consequences for the tournament. Taylor had already won his first-round match against Oskar Lukasiak. He was scheduled to face Welshman Jonny Clayton in the second round, but Clayton now receives a bye straight through to the third round as a result of Taylor's removal.
Elsewhere at Alexandra Palace
While Taylor's exit dominated headlines, the championship action continued on the oche. Josh Rock of Northern Ireland secured his place in the second round with a 3-1 victory over Gemma Hayter, though not without a fight. Rock, a World Cup winner in 2025, raced into a two-set lead before Hayter fought back to take the third and pushed him hard in the fourth before an 81 checkout sealed the win.
American player Lenny Gates also advanced, edging out a 3-2 win over Mickey Mansell in a tense encounter. Other results saw Ryan Meikle breeze past Argentina's Jesus Salate 3-0, and Dutchman Kevin Doets recover from a set down to beat Matthew Dennant 3-1.
The focus, however, remains firmly on the disciplinary proceedings facing Dom Taylor, casting a shadow over the sport's biggest event.
