DISTURBING news coming out of the Ally Pally today as darts suffers from a blow familiar to most expanding sports.
The Darts Regulation Authority Statement – Dominic Taylor
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.
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 history involving a failed test in late 2024 for a banned substance taken out of competition, leading to an initial two-year ban reduced to a one-month suspension after he proved it wasn’t performance-enhancing and completed a treatment program.
The Bristol man, known as The Tower, had impressed many by bouncing back from the 2024 incident to qualify again and win his first round match over the Swede Oskar Lukasiak.
His immediate suspension will again bring into the foreground the difficulties for players knocked out by illegal performances and other complications for the tournament. Johnny Clayton will now have a ‘walkover’ into the third round which has as many downsides as up.
With details still thin on the ground, and Taylor being at least mainly successful in his arguments last time, it may be wise to await further details before additional comments on these areas.
One this for sure is that such headlines are the exact opposite of those of positivity and global inclusivity that have dominated recent days. A crying shame for sure.
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