Krzysztof Ratajski won the European Darts Open in Leverkusen, beating Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a hard-fought final.
Ratajski took a 4-1 lead before Wattimena took five legs in a row, but the Pole roared back from 6-4 down to win his first title of 2026 and his third on the European Tour.
New world no. 2, who defeated current champion Nathan Aspinall on his way to the final. 20 noticed Betfred World Matchplay. sky sports From July 18th to 26th.
“I’m so happy, I don’t know what to say,” the 2021 Match Play semifinalist said. “It was a close game. Jermaine played very well and I’m really happy he survived.”
“I didn’t expect it. I would have been satisfied with the last quarterfinals or semifinals, but to win the title was beyond my expectations.”
“I will do my best in Blackpool. I hope I can play well and win my first game. We will see.”
Ratajski came from 6-4 down to defeat Jermain Wattimena (Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe).
The win ensured Ratajski maintained his perfect record in ProTour finals, while it was a defeat for Wattimena, who reached his first semifinal and final on the circuit.
“I’m very happy with it,” said the Dutchman. “It was a magical day.
“I missed a few chances, but he also missed a few chances, so I think it was a fair result. He was very good to Krzysztof.”
Wattimena reached his first semifinal and final on the circuit (Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe)
2026 European Darts Open
Sunday, July 12th
afternoon session
Round 3
Jermaine Watimena 6-1 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Johnny Clayton
Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Wessel Naimann
Damon Heta 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 Kevin Dotz
James Wade 6-2 Jan Schmidt
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ross Smith
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Gian van Veen
evening session
quarterfinal
Jermaine Wattimina 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
Damon Hetta 6-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Sebastian Bialecki 6-2 James Wade
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Nathan Aspinall
semifinal
Jermaine Watimena 7-3 Damon Heta
Krzysztof Ratajski 7-5 Sebastian Bialecki
critical
Krzysztof Ratajski 8-6 Jermaine Watimena
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Watch every 9-darter hit in World Match Play
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place at the iconic Winter Gardens from 18 to 26 July, with 32 players competing for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
World number one Luke Littler will be looking for back-to-back wins in Blackpool, while 2024 champion Luke Humphries and three-time World Matchplay winner Van Gerwen are also set to feature in the £1m event.
This summer’s action will also feature the fifth stage of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay. Eight of the biggest names in the women’s game will compete for the title currently held by Lisa Ashton.
Who will be the winner of this year’s World Match Play Darts? Luke Littler is set to defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream the best sports including darts with NOW.
