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Krzysztof Ratajski defeated Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a nail-biting final to win the European Darts Open in Leverkusen.
Ratajski took a 4-1 lead only for Watimena to reel off five legs in a row, but the Pole roared back from 6-4 down to claim his first title of 2026 and third time on the European Tour.
Beating reigning champion Nathan Aspinall en route to the final, the new world number 20 sets his sights on Betfred World Matchplay, Live Sky Sports From July 18-26.
“I’m really happy. I don’t know what to say,” said the 2021 Matchplay semi-finalist. “It was a close game. Jermaine played very well, and I’m really glad I survived it.
“I didn’t expect it. I would have been happy with the last eight or the last four, so winning the title is more than I expected.
“I will give my best in Blackpool. I hope I play well and hopefully I can win the first game. We will see.”
Ratajski defeated Jermaine Watimena (Sebastian Dopstad/PDC Europe) 6-4.
The victory ensured Ratajski maintained his unblemished record in ProTour finals and the defeat was a feat for Watimena, who reached his first semi-final and final on the circuit.
“I’m very happy with it,” said the Dutchman. “It was a magical day.
“I missed some chances, but he also missed some chances, so I think it’s a fair result. He’s the best player to Krzysztof.”
Watimena reaches his first semi-final and final on the circuit (Sebastian Dopstad/PDC Europe)
2026 European Darts Open
Sunday 12 July
Afternoon session
Three rounds
Jermaine Watimena 6-1 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Johnny Clayton
Dirk van Duyvenbode 6-3 Wessel Nijmann
Damon Heta 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 Kevin Deutz
James Wade 6-2 Jan Schmidt
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ross Smith
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Gian van Veen
Evening session
Quarter finals
Jermaine Watimena 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
Damon Heta 6-2 Dirk van Duyvenbode
Sebastian Bialecki 6-2 James Wade
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Nathan Aspinall
The semi-finals
Jermaine Watimena 7-3 Damon Heta
Krzysztof Ratajski 7-5 Sebastian Bialecki
the final
Krzysztof Ratajski 8-6 Jermaine Watimena
What’s happening next for Sky Sports?
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Watch every nine-darter hit in World Matchplay
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place at the iconic Winter Garden from 18-26 July, as a 32-player field competes for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
World No 1 Luke Littler will star in the £1million event in Blackpool alongside 2024 champion Luke Humphries and three-time World Matchplay winner Van Gerwen.
This summer’s action will also see the fifth staging of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay, as eight of the biggest names in the women’s game battle it out for the title held by Lisa Ashton.
Who will win this year’s World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more great games now.
