Ex-pro Paul Nicholson says Dominic Taylor should face heavy sanctions after failing a drugs test and being removed from the World Championship; punters are likely to avoid backing Taylor, with bookmakers expected to adjust markets—favouring Jonny Clayton or the affected opponent—until the DRA rules and odds stabilise.
Dominic Taylor expelled from World Championship after failed drugs test
27-year-old Dominic Taylor has been removed from the PDC World Championship after an adverse analytical finding from a sample taken on December 14. Taylor, who had beaten Oskar Lukasiak in round one, will not take his place in round two; Jonny Clayton has been given a bye into round three. Taylor’s first-round prize money of £25,000 has been withheld pending the investigation.
Previous suspension and reputational damage
Taylor was sidelined from last year’s Championship after a suspension following a positive test for a prohibited substance. The latest development represents a major setback for the Bristol ace, who had spoken publicly about bouncing back from last year’s disappointment. Critics say those post-win comments, made the day he was tested, will complicate his defence and have damaged his reputation within the sport.
Nicholson calls for stringent penalties
Former professional Paul Nicholson has urged the Darts Regulation Authority (DRA) to impose a severe penalty, saying Taylor “lied” about his recent conduct and that a strong message needs to be sent to younger players. Nicholson argued there should be both support for the player’s welfare and strict punitive measures, including the removal of match and tournament earnings if the finding is upheld.
Prize money, PDPA responsibilities and the DRA process
With Taylor’s £25,000 prize money withheld, the DRA will now progress its formal process. As a PDPA-registered professional, Taylor is entitled to assistance, but he also faces the disciplinary framework designed to protect the sport’s integrity. Sanctions could include fines, stripping of earnings, and additional suspension depending on the substance identified and any previous breaches.
Betting markets and implications for punters
Punters should expect immediate market movement: bookmakers typically react quickly to suspensions and positive tests by voiding affected match bets or adjusting futures prices. With Taylor removed, bets involving him may be voided or settled according to shop rules, while backing contenders such as Jonny Clayton or revisiting Lukasiak’s prospects could look more attractive. Bettors should monitor official DRA announcements and check individual bookmaker terms before staking on related markets.
What happens next
The DRA’s investigation will determine whether Taylor faces further disciplinary action. A formal hearing and decision on penalties are likely to follow, which will clarify whether earnings are permanently withheld and whether a longer suspension will be imposed. The case will have implications for anti-doping scrutiny across darts and could influence how quickly regulators act on future adverse findings.
2026 PDC Darts World Championship Day 10 live results, scores, schedule and bracket
Dom Taylor has been kicked out of the Ally Pally showpiece for the second year in a row and ex-pro Paul Nicholson has strong views
Daily Record
