Ratajski ends the run of Rock; Set to face Bunting in German Darts Open final

The final of the 2023 German Darts Open is set. Krzysztof Ratajski will play Stephen Bunting for the right to lift the latest trophy on the European Tour.

Battling it out for the first spot in the final were Krzysztof Ratajski and Josh Rock. Rock must have thought he'd got himself an early advantage when he broke throw in the opening leg but Ratajski came right back with a break of his own. Both players continued to trade legs, with neither being able to gain an two-leg buffer, before 'the Polish Eagle' broke Rock in the 8th leg to nudge 5-3 in front.

Holding in the subsequent leg, Ratajski was 6-3 up and on the verge of the final. Rock had pulled off a brilliant comeback in his his quarter-final so would've remained hopeful and pulled one leg back at 6-4. Sadly for the Northern Irishman though, the comeback stopped there and Ratajski was safely into the final thanks to a 7-4 victory.

But who would 'the Polish Eagle' be up against in the final? Stephen Bunting and Wesley Plaisier battled it out for that honour. Bunting, world number 24 showed just way his was so far ahead of his 170 ranked opponent in the early stages, moving clear in front at 4-1 up.

Plaisier though has found a new level to his game this weekend and one again was showing immense spirit as he fought back to level terms at 4-4. A brilliant 126 checkout then saw Bunting regain his lead and after 'the Bullet' backed it up with a break in the 10th leg, he moved one away from the final. After forging himself an opportunity, Bunting fluffed his lines, missing double 19 for the match and allowing Plaisier to punish and keep the match alive. More double trouble ensued in the 12th leg with both players missing numerous double for it before Plaisier finally got over the line to force a decider. In that deciding leg, it was Bunting who was able to keep it together and reach the final.

RATAJSKI INTO THE FINAL!

Krzysztof Ratajski defeats Josh Rock to reach a Euro Tour final for the second time in his career!

Up next 👉 Stephen Bunting v Wesley Plaisier
📺 https://t.co/M782z4qQ7i | #ET11 SF pic.twitter.com/1ExvAl80KT

— PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) September 10, 2023