Polish Eagle grounds The Bullet as Ratajski soars past Bunting to begin World Matchplay

The 2022 World Matchplay has began with Krzysztof Ratajski, last year's semi-finalist wrapping up a 10-6 win over former Lakeside champion, Stephen Bunting.

Ratajski averaged just under 100 in a good start and now moves through to Round Two in Blackpool.

Bunting missed D16 for a 146 checkout and Ratajski landed D10 for an early break of throw but after both suffered with double trouble, it was Bunting who pinned double two to break back at 1-1.

‘The Bullet’ hit the first 180 of the tournament to open his throw and hit another to leave 83 and pinned double eight from there to go 2-1 up. He led at the break 3-2 but Ratajski overturned that deficit after the break with a 4-3 win.

But Bunting hit back immediately hitting 80 on tops after Ratajski missed double 16 for a 112. He missed four darts to hold though and Ratajski sealed another break which was pivotal at 5-4 up.

Ratajski went 6-4 up from there sealing a hold but took another break on double 16 and this was consolidated with another 15-darter for 8-4.

Bunting finally stopped the rot at 8-5 and closed the gap with an 11-darter but Ratajski surged to victory from there hitting another 11-darter of his own to make it 9-6 before moving through with a 90 checkout.