"I had to do many kilometres on the stage during the wait for my turn" - Krzysztof Ratajski endures gruelling Alexis Toylo battle at World Darts Championship

Krzysztof Ratajski left no doubt in his opening match at the 2026 PDC World Darts Championship: he is in form. With an average just shy of 98, an excellent finishing display and a controlled performance on the sport’s biggest stage, the Pole booked his place in the second round with a convincing 3-0 victory.

Afterwards, there was no over the top bravado, but clear satisfaction with his level. “Yeah, I didn’t expect after the game that it was 97,” Ratajski said. “It’s a great average, a great match. The 170 was something special.”

That maximum checkout proved to be a decisive moment in the contest. “And I think it gave me the second set, so it was very important,” he added, underlining just how pivotal the finish was.

Ratajski faced an opponent he knew well in Alexis Toylo, having already played him on the World Championship stage last year. That experience helped shape his preparation.

“I knew what I must expect in this match after playing him last year,” Ratajski explained. “I think this year he threw a little faster, but still I had to do many kilometres on the stage during the wait for my turn.”

While the match was not an exact repeat of their previous encounter, patience was once again required against such a methodical opponent. Ratajski never allowed the long waits between visits to disrupt his rhythm, staying composed even during extended legs where Toylo controlled the pace.

Ratajski has produced several strong performances on the big stage in recent weeks and believes his timing is right. “Yeah, I think it’s good form at the right time,” he said. “So I’m really glad.”

At the World Championship, there is little room to ease into the tournament, particularly for unseeded players. From the opening round, the standard must be high. Ratajski’s performance in his first match felt like confirmation that everything is aligning physically, technically and mentally.

In round two, he will face Ryan Joyce, a former World Championship quarter finalist and one of the seeded players in the draw. Ratajski was realistic in his assessment of the challenge ahead.

“Ryan Joyce is a very good player,” he said. “He’s a seeded player and I’m not this year, so he’s the favourite.”

Still, he is not resigning himself to the underdog role. “But if I play my game and if I feel the darts, I think I can win it.”

A lighter moment came after the match when the topic of darts shoes was raised. Specially designed darts footwear has attracted increasing attention in recent months, including the so called Triple 20 Darts Shoes, with which Ratajski has been associated.

He was quick to clarify that he is not using them at this World Championship. “I’m not wearing them now,” he said. “I practice in them, but today I played in lighter shoes.”

The reason was straightforward and entirely practical. “Yeah, I feel better in these because I like much lighter shoes,” Ratajski explained. “You know, the heel is lower. For me, I prefer this one.”

Ratajski remains understated, but the confidence is evident. The form is there, the experience is there, and his game looks solid. The second round clash with Ryan Joyce will be a serious test, but far from an impossible one.

“I think it’s good form at the right time,” Ratajski repeated. And if he continues to play his own game, as he insists, there is every reason to believe his World Championship run could go further yet.