Ratajski storms past Dolan in rampant World Matchplay display

Krzysztof Ratajski hasn't been in the best of form as of late but has found a rampant streak on his return to the big stage at the World Matchplay.

Ratajski saw off an in-form 'History Maker' Brendan Dolan in a 10-4 win with a 102 average, five 180's and 67% on the doubles in the best display seen so far in Blackpool.

It was a high quality start between the pair with two 140’s and a 180 from Ratajski who got the first leg on the board with a 41 checkout. A 63 checkout saw Dolan level it up from there.

A 177 and 68 checkout though saw Ratajski regain the lead at 2-1. A 96 checkout saw him open up a two-leg lead at 3-1 with his average up at 104.

Dolan missed double 12 for a 144 checkout but he wasn’t punished by Ratajski who missed two darts at double 20 and ‘The History Maker’ went into the interval at 3-2.

He missed a 170 on the bull and again Ratajski was there to pick his pocket with a 52 checkout to go two clear at 4-2 up.

A 96 checkout saw him four clear at 6-2 with an 11-darter in the process and Ratajski was surging away once more.

Dolan couldn’t get a shot on the 134 on Ratajski’s throw and precision like he took out 86 to make it 7-2 as they headed towards another break. The former needed a flourish and he pinned a 121 checkout on the bull to make it 7-3.

Ratajski took out 86 on double seven to move towards the brink at 8-3 but Dolan hit double 10 to withstand the pressure and keep himself in it at 8-4 as Ratajski went through a momentary blip.

An unlucky Robin Hood saw Dolan who looked to be motoring only get 120 and his luck wasn’t in as he couldn’t take advantage of Ratajski missing doubles and ‘The Polish Eagle’ went one away at 9-4.

Ratajski was on 89 after nine but missed his first match dart on double five. Dolan couldn’t take 116 and the former pinned double five.