27/12/2020

Ratajski breezes past Whitlock into World Championship Last 16 with straight sets win

Krzysztof Ratajski is the first player through to the Fourth Round at the 2020/21 PDC World Darts Championship after breezing past Simon Whitlock in a 4-0 sets win.

Ratajski punished a poor match of missed doubles from 'The Wizard' with the Aussie ace hitting five 180's but only 6/29 on his doubles compared to 10/34 (29%).

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To begin the tie, a 180 was hit by Ratajski but despite getting down to 112, Whitlock pinned a well timed 80 to leave 61 but he missed two darts to break allowing the former back for a 54 checkout on double 10.

Whitlock hit straight back on double 18 after missing it initially and allowing Ratajski the chance to get down to a finish of 88.

Whitlock was first down to a finish on Ratajski’s throw but he missed a big number in an 81 combo and Ratajski was back to pin double 16 to head 2-1 up.

Whitlock missed the big number again on an 18 but Ratajski was back to break and pin double 10 for the first set.

He continued to play well as the second set began with an immediate break of throw in the form of a 121. Whitlock couldn’t produce a special 146 but when Ratajski missed 60, Whitlock pounced on his opportunity with double six to break back.

Ratajski was back in front as he was well ahead of Whitlock and left double 16 to go 2-1 up and one away from a two set lead.

Ratajski missed double seven for a 122 checkout but pinned double two last dart in hand to go two sets up.

Whitlock attempted to arrest his woes but couldn’t finish despite multiple efforts at it and Ratajski held throw.

Ratajski missed double 12 for an 87 checkout to break but again Whitlock encountered double trouble and Ratajski pounced to make it 2-0.

Whitlock’s scoring power continued and he left 141 for a nine-darter but 89 left 52 for ‘The Wizard’ as he looked to break back immediately. He finally pinned a double in double eight as he went 2-1 down.

He pinned double five to hold throw and force the decider but Ratajski pinned double 16 after getting two shots from 62 with Whitlock missing a dart at 120.

Ratajski missed 53 and was somewhat fortunate to be so far ahead but Whitlock pinned double 19 for a 1-0 lead and hold of throw.

A bounceout leaving only 120 summed up Whitlock’s afternoon and Ratajski held throw to make it 1-1. A 180 left 67 for Ratajski and he pinned double four to break and go within one.

A 180 and double 18 from Whitlock saw him break throw and keep himself in the tie. Ratajski missed double eight for a 127 but Whitlock missed a dart to stay in it and ‘The Polish Eagle’ hit double four to claim the win.