A true World Matchplay classic saw Peter Wright continue his run as defending champion at the Winter Gardens as he survived an incredible display from Krzysztof Ratajski to seal it 13-11.
Ratajski came from 7-3 down and sent it all the way to a tie-break but Wright held his nerve in the end to prevail with a 103.5 average as he reaches the Quarter-Finals in Blackpool.
Wright was sensational to begin the tie landing a 127 checkout to go 2-1 up before firing in back-to-back 180's and double 16 for an 11-darter to make it 4-1 at the first break.
He returned to further cement his authority piling in a 125 checkout with two bulls to make it 5-2. Ratajski responded with one of his own to make it 5-3.
But Wright hit an 11-darter to go further clear at the break 7-3. On return though, Ratajski kicked into gear hitting a 72 checkout to keep it close at 7-5.
He refused to lie down levelling up at 7-7 and they continued to head towards a thrilling conclusion at 8-8. But pivotally, he missed three darts at double 18 and Wright held his nerve to pin double two to make it 10-9.
He produced a truly incredible leg with back to back 180's but missed three darts for the match and Ratajski returned for a 77 checkout to send it to a tie-break at 10-10.
Wright missed two darts to hold but Ratajski missed the big number and the pressure got to him as 'Snakebite' got away with it pinning double four finally to make it 11-10.
Ratajski missed 76 on double 20 to hold but returned with Wright unable to take out 108 and 'The Polish Eagle' pinned double 10 to make it 11-11. But an 11-darter in a 96 checkout saw Wright go one away again with a hold.
Ratajski handed Wright two more match darts and he finally took one on double 10.
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