"I would have been happy with the last eight or last four": Krzysztof Ratajski surprises himself with European Darts Open title run
PDCMonday, 13 July 2026 at 08:54
Krzysztof Ratajski claimed the 2026 European Darts Open title on Sunday after defeating Dutchman Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a thrilling final. The 49-year-old Pole secured his first title of 2026 and the third European Tour title of his career. It also marked Ratajski's first Euro Tour triumph since winning the 2023 German Darts Open. 'The Polish Eagle' now heads to next Saturday's World Matchplay full of confidence.
ADVERTISEMENT
At the Ostermann Arena in Leverkusen, Ratajski looked to be cruising towards victory for much of the contest. The experienced Pole made an outstanding start to the final, combining heavy scoring with clinical finishing to establish a 4-1 lead.
However, Wattimena refused to give in. The Dutchman produced an excellent spell, reeling off five consecutive legs to turn a three-leg deficit into a 6-4 advantage, leaving him on the verge of claiming the first European Tour title of his career.
Read also
Ratajski kept his composure when it mattered most. The Pole took full advantage of several missed doubles from Wattimena to level the match at 6-6 before producing a superb 68 checkout to move back in front for the first time since the opening stages of the contest.
In the 14th and deciding leg, Ratajski sealed victory by pinning double 10, securing the £35,000 winner's prize.
Relief and delight
Relief and joy were clear to see on the Pole's face after the match. His victory also lifts him to 20th place in the PDC Order of Merit.
ADVERTISEMENT
“I’m really happy. I don’t know what to say,” professed Ratajski. “It was a close game. Jermaine played very well, and I’m really happy that I survived it!"
Krzysztof Ratajski won in Leverkusen.
Ratajski admitted he had never expected to leave Leverkusen as champion. He travelled to the tournament with modest ambitions, viewing it primarily as an opportunity to rebuild confidence.
“I didn’t expect it. I would have been happy with the last eight or last four, so to win the title is more than I expected."
Perfect boost ahead of the World Matchplay
ADVERTISEMENT
The victory provides a major confidence boost ahead of next week's World Matchplay in Blackpool, where Ratajski hopes to carry his excellent form into one of the biggest events of the year.
He does have a tough examination in the first round facing off against Gian van Veen. 'GVV The Giant' of course is one of the title favourites but it could yet be quite a bit banana skin for him in facing an in-form Ratajski.
“I will do my best in Blackpool. I hope I will play well and hopefully I can win that first match. We will see.”
For Wattimena, the defeat will be a bitter disappointment. The Dutchman came within touching distance of the biggest title of his career and, after his remarkable comeback, looked set to complete the job. In the end, however, Ratajski proved just that little bit calmer during the decisive moments.
ADVERTISEMENT
For the Pole, the title not only brings a £35,000 payday but also serves as welcome confirmation that he remains capable of challenging for major honours at the highest level. After more than two years without a European Tour title, Ratajski is once again holding a trophy and travels to Blackpool with a huge boost in confidence.
Samuel GillChief Content Officer
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of DartsNews.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy across professional darts coverage. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces, playing a central role in the development and daily operation of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has extensive experience in darts media and has been closely involved in coverage of the professional darts circuit for several years. Within the UK darts community, he is a recognised figure known for his consistent editorial output and ongoing reporting on major tournaments and developments across the PDC calendar.
In his current role, Samuel works closely with editors and writers to ensure content meets clear journalistic standards, with a focus on source verification, editorial consistency, and timely updates when new, confirmed information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just in
Popular news
Latest comments
- Ultimately, Vin man knew when to call it quits. Barney was excellent and one of the greatest darts player ever, but he just doesn't have that ability anymore. Vinman working in media is only saying what he thinks and I like how he doesn't sugar coat things and is completely honest and direct with his comments. Vinman will probably agree he wasn't really on the same level as Barney in their respective heydays.richieburnettrocks13-07-2026
- I agree that this season the format was a bit stale, it would be better to have some new faces rotated in through the season. I also think they should vary the format a bit as it doesn't count for rankings, they could have different varieties of 501 (e.g. double start) or just different challenges.mikedarts03-07-2026
- I don't really understand why its an issue that Littler doesn't play in the events, they are barely televised so there is no draw for marketing and it gives the other players a better chance to define their narratives. The events are more of a throw back to old events. I agree that the format should be looked at, I don't know why they don't do a more interesting format or vary it through the season to improve interestmikedarts03-07-2026
- This shows they have the prize money structure wrong then (and OoM as a result). Put more £ into the floor, less on the TV and you'll attract more players to attend more often.BandB03-07-2026
- He's admitted his mistakes. He won't be the first or last player to get sent down,or take drugs. I honestly didn't like the lad,but at least he's owning up to his issues. So,good luck. In whatever he decides to dorick6702-07-2026
- Not everyone wants to watch pub players throwing 70 averages for about £500. Premier League is indeed a cash cow, but it does its job of promoting the game. This new suggestion for changes is one of the better ones. Even better if everyone knew what they had to do to qualify and it isn't just a walk-on popularity contest.StraightArrowNoBull01-07-2026
- I have a suggestion,scrap the whole thing. It's a pointless cash cow for anyone in the top 10.rick6730-06-2026
- Well nobody made him bet!! It's his own fault,if wants to lose money,then he shouldn't call Gerwyn out! He averaged 103,I would think the losing betting idiot could average 40! If you don't want to risk losing,keep your money in your pocket!rick6728-06-2026
- A great female line up this year, it would be nice to see Gemma win, but Beau is too good. Although the most important lady is missing....Lorraine Winstanley! You can't have a major tournament with out Lorraine Winstanley!! My dream is to see Lorraine hit a nine darter, run off the stage and out of the building with Dean.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
- Laura looking fantastic and obviously has a hidden talent as a dart player. It was so nice to see her shock and joy of hitting that triple 20 I miss Laura, she was excellent and very knowledgeable regarding darts. Can you imagine that dozy wooden air head Emma Paton from SKY being able to do that, she'd hold the dart the wrong way round.richieburnettrocks25-06-2026
Loading