STOMPÉ SYMPATHISES WITH TAYLOR AFTER FAILED DRUGS TEST

FORMER pro Co Stompé has voiced sympathy for Dom Taylor following his drugs suspension at the World Championship.

World No65 Taylor was suspended with immediate effect after an adverse analytical finding was reported following a test conducted earlier this month. 

The Bristol thrower later released a candid statement taking responsibility and opening up about his long-running mental health struggles. 

Stompé drew on his own controversial past to explain why he understands the situation, revealing he was the first darts player ever involved in a doping-related case. 

He told Viaplay: “I once smoked a joint at a party.  

“I just went back and did that doping control. Without really thinking about it.  

“I wasn’t even suspended for it, but it did come to light.” 

The former World Cup winner explained that the outcome of his case came down to how darts was governed at the time. 

Stompé was not under a federation with the authority to suspend him, despite the Dutch darts federation wanting to take action. 

He added: “Only later, when I was under a different federation, was that possible. Then they could suspend me. 

“But that wasn’t the case here.” 

However, Stompé warned Taylor’s situation cannot be viewed in the same way, stressing that timing and accountability matter. 

The Dutchman pointed out that this was not Taylor’s first suspension and insisted experience brings responsibility. 

He continued: “If you know this can affect your career, you have to raise the alarm right away. 

“You don’t wait until it goes wrong again, do you? Then you’re basically just too late. I don’t think he’ll get off as easily as last time.”