A rising star in the world of darts has been provisionally suspended over a failed doping test.
Some fans may be surprised to learn that darts has strict anti-doping regulations that are as stringent as other sports.
The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) oversees a drug testing programme in line with its anti-doping rules, and any player competing in a DRA sanctioned event may be required to undertake a random drug test.
The DRA has now confirmed that Austrian darts player Rusty-Jake Rodriguez has been provisionally banned after failing one such test.
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The 24-year-old failed a random test during a Players Championship 24 event, which took place on August 25.
The results of the test were found to be abnormal and the DRA immediately implemented a provisional suspension.
Rodriguez is now banned from participating or attending any events covered by the DRA, pending the outcome of a full investigation into the matter.
A provisional suspension is standard procedure following a positive doping test.
Depending on the outcome of the DRA's investigation, disciplinary proceedings could be opened against Rodriguez and he could face further sanctions including a potential ban from the sport.
Rodriguez has the right to appeal and can challenge both the validity of the test and the decision to provisionally suspend him.
The younger brother of Rowby-John Rodriguez, Rusty-Jake is considered one of 'the most promising talents in international darts' according to Darts News.
He has competed on the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) circuit in recent years and is part of a group of talented young European players making their mark on the sport.
Rodriguez is yet to publicly comment on his suspension.
Earlier this year, English player Dominic Taylor was given a one-month ban by the DRA after failing a drugs test.
The 26-year-old tested positive for a banned substance at a Players Championship event last year and missed out on playing in the World Darts Championships as a result of his suspension.
He was also made to complete a three-month treatment programme approved by UK Anti-Doping before being allowed to return to competition.
"Although he had tested positive in competition the committee were satisfied that the ingestion of the prohibited substance took place out of competition," the DRA said.
Meanwhile, back in 2018, former PDC darts player Kevin McDine was suspended from all sport for two years after testing positive for cocaine.
McDine tested positive for the presence of the prohibited substance benzoylecgonine (a metabolite of cocaine), following an in-competition test during a World Championship PDPA Qualifier event.
Rory O'Callaghan