A former darts star has called for the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) to “throw the book” at Dom Taylor following the player’s failed drugs test.
On Friday (December 19), it emerged that 27-year-old Taylor had been suspended from darts after a drug test produced an “adverse analytic finding”, which, as a result, means he will now play no further part in the ongoing 2026 PDC World Darts Championship despite winning 3-0 in his first round match against Oskar Lukasiak.
The Bristol-born darts player, who is ranked 65th in the world, was due to face Jonny Clayton in round two, but the Welshman has received a bye, meaning he advances to the final 32.
In a statement, the PDC’s governing body, the DRA, explained how they were “notified of an adverse analytical finding” from a test carried out on December 14.
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“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,” part of the statement read.
“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.”
It is still unclear what punishment Taylor, who won the 2023 Challenger Tour to earn his PDC Tour Card for 2024, could face, if found guilty of breaching the rules, but this would be the second time he has tested positive for a banned substance.
In January, he was initially given a two-year suspension for a banned substance, but the sanction was reduced to three months as the substance was not classed as a performance enhancer.
He also committed to a three-month UK Anti-Doping-approved treatment programme.
And just one day after news of Taylor’s removal from the PDC World Darts Championship emerged, former professional Paul Nicholson, who won the 2010 Players Championship Finals, has suggested that the DRA hand him a harsh punishment.
Speaking to talkSPORT, the 47-year-old said: “I think things are about to get very real for Dominic Taylor.
“We’ve been lauding his talent for the last few years, saying his area of the country in England has a very good dart player.
“Unfortunately, now his reputation is completely shot because not only has he failed one, but he spoke with the media post-win about putting things right.
“He lied. That’s one of the things that really hit home today. When you lie in front of the media about things you did in the past and what you are doing that day, that won’t sit well with the DRA.”
Nicholson then put forward the idea of a financial penalty as a potential punishment.
He added: “He’s a professional dart player with a PDPA membership, so there is a responsibility to give him assistance — and I hope they do, because he deserves it.
“But at the same time, the DRA have to throw the book at him, because this is not a first-time offence.
“I think throwing the book at him is taking every penny away he has earned from this tournament.”
According to Oche 180, the £25,000 Taylor would receive for reaching round two has been withheld.
Topics: Darts
Luke Davies