Dom Taylor has been suspended from the PDC World Darts Championship following an adverse analytical finding from a drug test, ruling him out of the tournament. The 27-year-old English player, who defeated Oskar Lukasiak in the first round at Alexandra Palace, was set to face fifth seed Jonny Clayton in the second round. Clayton will now receive a bye into the last 32.

DRA and PDC Anti-Doping Procedures

The Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) confirmed that it, along with the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC), conducts routine anti-doping tests during the World Championship as part of ongoing anti-doping measures.

In an official statement, the DRA said:

“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.
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.”

The PDC confirmed that Jonny Clayton would progress automatically but declined further comment regarding the suspension.

Taylor’s Previous Doping History

Taylor, ranked 65th in the world at the start of the 2025 tournament, has previously faced anti-doping scrutiny. In January, he served a one-month suspension after failing a drugs test the previous year. That potential two-year ban was reduced after Taylor proved the substance was not performance-enhancing and taken outside of competition, alongside completing a three-month treatment program approved by UK Anti-Doping.

The latest finding marks a significant setback for Taylor’s career, removing him from competition at the PDC World Championship and triggering a formal disciplinary process under DRA anti-doping rules.

Implications for the PDC World Championship

With Taylor out, the second-round draw is adjusted, giving Jonny Clayton a direct path to the last 32, while the tournament continues with intense competition among remaining seeds and rising players. The PDC maintains strict anti-doping regulations to ensure fairness and integrity throughout the event.