European Darts Open - Finals Day
RATAJSKI SEALS EURO TOUR HAT-TRICK WITH EUROPEAN DARTS OPEN TRIUMPH
Krzysztof Ratajski claimed his first title in 2026 and career-third European Tour title at the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Open, defeating Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a nail-biting final in Leverkusen.
Ratajski - who last tasted European Tour glory at the German Darts Open in 2023 - returned to the winner's circle at the Ostermann-Arena on Sunday after a dramatic final against Wattimena.
The 49-year-old rushed into a 4-1 lead, before a splendid mid-match spell from Wattimena saw the Dutchman claim five consecutive legs to lead 6-4. However, Ratajski retaliated, capitalising on missed darts at double from his opponent to level the match at 6-6 before finishing a clutch 68 outshot to go one away from the title. The Polish number one then landed a fatal blow in the 14th and final leg, pinning double ten to secure the 35,000 pound prize and claim his first trophy of the year.
"I'm really happy. I don't know what to say," professed Ratajski, who moves up to 20th in the world rankings following his victory. "It was a close game. Jermaine played very well, and I'm really happy that I survived it! "I didn't expect it. I would have been happy with the last eight or last four, so to win the title is more than I expected. "I will do my best in Blackpool. I hope I will play well and hopefully I can win that first match. We will see."
Ratajski kicked off his campaign with a 6-3 triumph over Max Hopp, before downing Gian van Veen - his upcoming opponent at the World Matchplay later this month - by the same scoreline. The former World Matchplay semi-finalist then eliminated reigning champion Nathan Aspinall with a steady 6-4 win, followed by victory over his World Cup teammate Sebastian Bialecki in the semi-finals thanks to a ton-plus average to reach a third European Tour final.
Ratajski's win over Wattimena maintained his 100% winning record in finals on the circuit, while his success means the Pole has won at least one title in seven of the last nine years in the sport.
Despite falling short of a maiden European Tour title, Wattimena still broke new ground in Leverkusen by reaching his first semi-final and final on the circuit.
Semi-finalist Bialecki impressed across the weekend, also reaching his career-best stage at a European Tour by making the final four. The Polish number two took the scalps of William O'Connor, Danny Noppert, Kevin Doets and James Wade in a notable run to the semi-finals, only to be halted by his compatriot Ratajski.
Heta dispatched five-time European Darts Open winner Michael van Gerwen en route to reaching the semi-finals, also accounting for Rob Owen and Dirk van Duijvenbode in a stellar weekend for the Australian number one.
Woodhouse, Van Duijvenbode and defending champion Aspinall were joined by Wade in the quarter-finals, who put an end to Host Nation qualifier Jan Schmidt's heroic run in the last 16 to the dismay of the Leverkusen crowd.
The darts continues with the iconic Betfred World Matchplay from July 18-26, as the ProTour returns with Players Championships 25-26 in Hildesheim on July 28-29, while the European Tour takes a sizeable break before the Hungarian Darts Trophy from August 28-30.