Darts Star Disqualified From World Championship as PDC Issue Shock Statement

A darts player has been thrown out of the World Darts Championship with an official statement being released by the Professional Darts Corporation and the Darts Regulation Authority.

Dom Taylor had secured a place in round two after beating Sweden's Oskar Lukasiak 3-0 in the first round at the Alexandra Palace, London.

The Englishman was originally scheduled to play Welshman Jonny Clayton in the second round, but a statement was released on Friday afternoon.

It was revealed that Taylor had been disqualified after a failed drug test.

The PDC's governing body, the Darts Regulation Authority said: "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."

The statement continued: "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."

Dom Taylor has been thrown out of the PDC World Darts Championship. Image: Getty

Meanwhile, the PDC said: "As a result of this, Taylor's scheduled opponent in round two at the Paddy Power World Darts Championship, Jonny Clayton, will receive a Bye through to round three. The PDC will be making no further comment on this matter."

Taylor was also banned last year after failing a drug test, which delayed his debut on the Ally Pally stage.

Speaking about his previous ban recently, Taylor said: "(The) Biggest letdown of my life. But I’ve rebounded back and here we are.

“I wasn’t speaking to anyone, keeping myself to myself and just practising. If I didn’t believe I was going to walk home with a million pounds, I wouldn’t be here.”

As a result, Clayton will now receive a bye and advance straight to round three.