Ratajski beats Wattimena to lift European Darts Open title

Krzysztof Ratajski claims third-career title with dramatic victory over Jermaine Wattimena in European Darts Open final; watch the World Matchplay live on Sky Sports in Blackpool from July 18-26

Krzysztof Ratajski defeated Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a nail-biting final to win the European Darts Open in Leverkusen.

Ratajski raced into a 4-1 lead only for Wattimena to reel off five legs in succession, but the Pole roared from 6-4 down to claim his first title of 2026 and third-ever on the European Tour.

Having dethroned reigning champion Nathan Aspinall on route to the final, the new world No 20 set his sights on the Betfred World Matchplay, live on Sky Sports from July 18-26.

"I'm really happy. I don't know what to say," the 2021 Matchplay semi-finalist said. "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."

The victory ensured Ratajski maintained his flawless record in ProTour finals, and there was achievement in defeat for Wattimena, who reached his first semi-final and final on the circuit.

"I'm very happy with that," the Dutchman said. "It was a magic day.

"I missed some chances, but he missed some chances as well, so I think it's a fair result. He was the better player so well done to Krzysztof."

Afternoon Session Round Three Jermaine Wattimena 6-1 Ryan Joyce Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Jonny Clayton Dirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Wessel Nijman Damon Heta 6-4 Michael van Gerwen Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 Kevin Doets James Wade 6-2 Jan Schmidt Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ross Smith Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Gian van Veen

Evening Session Quarter-finals Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Luke Woodhouse Damon Heta 6-2 Dirk van Duijvenbode Sebastian Bialecki 6-2 James Wade Krzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Nathan Aspinall

Semi-finals Jermaine Wattimena 7-3 Damon Heta Krzysztof Ratajski 7-5 Sebastian Bialecki

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The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place at the iconic Winter Gardens from July 18-26, as a 32-player field competes for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.

World No 1 Luke Littler will be eyeing back-to-back titles in Blackpool, with 2024 champion Luke Humphries and three-time World Matchplay winner Van Gerwen also set to star in the £1m event.

This summer's action will also feature 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 currently held by Lisa Ashton.

Who will win this year's World Matchplay Darts? Luke Littler will be defending his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Stream darts and more top sport with NOW .