"I have only one chance a year to show how I play": Krzysztof Ratajski gains added pressure from being home hero in Krakow

Krzysztof Ratajski admitted it was a moment he had waited a long time for after claiming victory over Mickey Mansell at the Poland Darts Open in Krakow describing the occasion as “something special” in front of his home crowd.

Competing in the first ranking tournament ever staged in Poland, Ratajski acknowledged the unique pressure that came with performing on home soil.

“For sure it was special,” he said to Tungsten Tales. “It was the first ranking tournament in Poland. The place was great — many fans, great venue. So it’s amazing to play here and win here.”

Having grown accustomed to the relentless schedule of major tournaments in the UK, the Polish number one explained why this event carried added weight.

“It’s always difficult to play here because I have only one chance a year to show how I play,” he said. “In England there are many tournaments where I can show it. Here it’s always more nervous when you have only one chance. If you play badly, the next chance is one year later.”

That pressure did not show on the stage in Krakow, where Ratajski produced a 96.47 average in defeating Mansell.

“It was good darts, good darts,” he reflected. “It was good darts — it was 96.47 in the numbers — so I’m very happy.”

The emotional peak of the night came during his walk-on, as the home crowd roared their support and chanted his name — a moment he tried hard not to let overwhelm him.

“Every time I try not to think about it,” he admitted. “Here is a crowd who want my win. But here it was something special, of course. It was the first ranking tournament, many fans.

“Of course it was important for me to go on the stage and win a match. I did everything I could to win. This time I won.”

While the result brought obvious satisfaction, Ratajski insisted his mindset would not have changed had the outcome gone the other way.

“Even if I lose, if I give my 100%, it’s okay,” he said. “But here it’s a happy finish, so I want to say something good.”

On a landmark night for Polish darts in Krakow, Ratajski ensured the home fans had exactly that.