“He’s the best player, he’s the world champion. But it’s sport..." - Krzysztof Ratajski insists victory over Luke Littler in World Championship QF is possible

Krzysztof Ratajski has reached the quarter-finals of the PDC World Darts Championship for the second time in his career.

After his 4-2 victory over Luke Woodhouse, the Polish number one stood visibly emotional in front of the cameras at Alexandra Palace. Not only because of the achievement itself, but because of the road that led there. Injuries, health problems and a difficult year have now given way to one of the most meaningful moments of his career on the sport’s biggest stage.

“It was something big for me. Very emotional,” Ratajski said shortly after the match. “Every match win on this stage is something special, so I’m really excited.”

Those words carried extra weight. Ratajski has long been a fixture near the top of the professional game, but recent seasons have brought significant setbacks. That context makes this quarter-final appearance feel like a genuine turning point.

From a sporting perspective, Ratajski had plenty of reason to be satisfied. An average of around 97, combined with a strong performance on the doubles, underlined a controlled and composed display. Even he was slightly surprised by the statistics. “I didn’t even expect the numbers to be so good,” he admitted. “When I finished the match, I thought it was maybe around 90, but it was a really solid game.”

That efficiency at key moments proved decisive. Ratajski delivered when the pressure was highest and managed to keep control even during tight phases of the contest. Producing that level on the World Championship stage, under the bright lights of Alexandra Palace, highlighted his mental resilience.

Ratajski was also asked directly about the challenging period that lies behind him. Injuries and health issues had prevented him from performing at his best for an extended time. According to the Pole, that chapter is now closed. “The bad moments are behind me,” he said firmly. “I don’t want to think about them. I only look forward and focus on better times.”

That outlook appears to be reflected in his body language. Ratajski looks relaxed, smiles more freely and seems genuinely at ease on stage. “I think it’s a good time,” he explained. “This tournament has been very good for me. This year maybe wasn’t special, but it was quite good, and I’m enjoying it.”

The quarter-finals now bring the biggest possible test: a meeting with Luke Littler. The reigning world champion and dominant force in the game is widely seen as the man to beat. Ratajski is realistic about the challenge ahead. “It’s the biggest challenge you can imagine,” he said. “He’s the best player, he’s the world champion. But it’s sport, it’s darts. Everything is possible.”

He is under no illusions about the level required. “I expect Luke Littler to play his game: 100-plus, 105-plus, maybe 110-plus,” Ratajski explained. “We can expect everything from him, but only very high numbers. I know I must play my best game. We will see.”

One of the standout moments against Woodhouse was the near nine-darter, with Woodhouse missing double 12 after a spectacular start to the leg. With a major sponsor bonus on the line, the atmosphere inside the venue intensified. Ratajski acknowledged that such incentives can increase pressure. “Yes, of course,” he said. “It’s a big pressure because the bonus is very big money.”

At the same time, he showed clear sportsmanship. “I was happy I won this leg when he had such a big chance,” Ratajski said. “But at the same time, I was crossing my fingers for him to finish it, because even when your opponent does it, it’s still something special.”

He also recognised the potential psychological impact of the miss. “Maybe,” he reflected. “It would have been something very big for him. If you miss a moment like that, it can take you a little bit down in the match. Maybe it was a good moment for me.”

Asked whether crowd involvement could influence the quarter-final, his answer was balanced. “Maybe it wouldn’t be good for him, but it wouldn’t help me either,” Ratajski said. “It doesn’t matter for me.”

Beyond the immediate result, the win over Woodhouse also carries ranking significance. Ratajski has returned to the world’s top 32, a milestone he described as important. “Yes, top 32 is very important for me,” he said. “I’m really happy about that.”

For now, though, his focus remains fixed on the task ahead. “It’s hard to think about climbing higher,” Ratajski admitted. “Luke Littler is the biggest player in the world at the moment. But everything is possible.”

Encouragement can be drawn from previous meetings, including a competitive encounter at the UK Open. Still, Ratajski knows the reality. “Every match against Luke Littler is incredible,” he concluded. “You are always the underdog, a big underdog. It will be very hard, but we will see what happens.”