Dom Taylor exits the PDC World Championship after a “negative analytical finding” from a drug test

Dom Taylor has been suspended from darts after a drugs test returned a “negative analytical result”, meaning he will play no further part in the PDC World Championship.

Englishman Taylor, who beat Oscar Lukasiak in the first round at Alexandra Palace, was scheduled to face Johnny Clayton on Saturday, but the fifth-seeded Welshman will now advance to the last 32.

The Darts Regulatory Authority (DRA) said it and the Professional Darts Corporation (PDC) are conducting testing during the World Championships in line with “ongoing anti-doping measures”.

In a statement,, external The DRA added: “On 19 December, the DRA was notified of a negative analytical result in relation to the player Dom Taylor as a result of a test carried out on 14 December.

“As a result, and in line with the relevant DRA processes, Dom Taylor’s participation in any DRA-organised events has been suspended with immediate effect.

“This matter will now be subject to a disciplinary process in line with the relevant DRA anti-doping rules.

“The DRA will not make any further comment pending the outcome of this secret operation.”

Other than confirming Clayton’s direct qualification to the third round, the PDC said it would make no further comment.

Taylor, 27, ranked 65th in the world at the start of the tournament.

He was suspended for a month last January, after failing a drug test the previous year.

The potential penalty was reduced by two years after it was proven that the substance was not a performance enhancer and she was taken out of competition, while also committing to complete a three-month treatment program approved by the UK Anti-Doping Authority.