Dom Taylor has been banned from all PDC events and stripped of his World Darts Championship prize money after failing a drug test, the Darts Regulatory Authority (DRA) has confirmed.
In December, it was announced that the 27-year-old British player, who beat Oscar Lukasiak 3-0 in the first round, had been suspended after the DRA was informed that a test conducted on December 14 had an “adverse analytical result.”
Taylor apologized for the “blatant lies” after being expelled from the world championships. Players will be tested randomly at Alexandra Palace.
The PDC Order of Merit was also updated after the World Championships, with Taylor’s £25,000 prize money removed as this year’s prize pot was increased. As a result, Taylor is currently ranked 68th, not in the top 64 to earn a one-year PDC Tour card.
Taylor received a one-month suspension earlier this year after failing a drug test at the Players Championship Final in November 2024, which was reduced from two years after agreeing to a UKAD-approved three-month substance abuse treatment programme.
“On December 19th, the DRA was notified of the adverse analytical results regarding athlete Dom Taylor from the testing conducted on December 14th. As a result, in accordance with DRA’s relevant processes, Dom Taylor has been immediately suspended from participating in DRA-regulated events,” the DRA statement said.
“This matter will now be subject to disciplinary proceedings in accordance with the relevant DRA Anti-Doping Rules.
“DRA will have no further comment pending the outcome of this confidential process.”
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Taylor impressed in his Ally Pally debut with three 100-plus checkouts over Oscar Lukasiak in the first round.
In an earlier post on his Facebook page, Taylor apologized for failing the test. He said personal trauma in his life contributed to his situation and “he will get the help he needs.”
He wrote: “First of all I have to say I’m sorry!
“I am sorry to my family, friends, sponsors, management team and most importantly to all of you, my fans, both outside and inside darts, the game/sport I love the most.
“I also have to apologize for blatantly lying to you all in an interview after my Oscar win last week. I have been lying to myself and everyone around me.
“I completed the required courses at the end of last year or the beginning of this year, as well as all other obligations and sanctions.”
Asked about the suspension after his first-round win, Taylor said: “It’s the biggest disappointment of my life. But I bounced back and I’m here.”
