European Darts Open: Krzysztof Ratajski beats Jermaine Wattimena to lift title ahead of World Matchplay | Arrow News
Krzysztof Ratajski beat Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a nail-biting final to win the European Darts Open in Leverkusen.
Ratajski raced to a 4-1 lead only to have Wattimena reeling off five legs in a row, but the Pole roared back from 6-4 down to claim his first title of 2026 and third on the European Tour.
After knocking out reigning champion Nathan Aspinall en 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 very happy. I don’t know what to say,” said the 2021 Matchplay semi-finalist. “It was a close game. Jermaine played really well, and I’m really glad I survived it.
“I didn’t expect it. I would have been happy with the last eight or four, so winning the title is more than I expected.
“I will do my best for Blackpool. I hope I play well and I hope I can win that first game. We will see.”
The victory ensured Ratajski maintained his unblemished record in ProTour finals, and was a breakthrough in defeating Wattimena, who reached his first semi-final of the circuit.
“I’m very happy about that,” said the Dutchman. “It was an amazing day.
“I missed some chances, but he also missed some chances, so I think it’s a good result. He was the best player who did well for Krzysztof.”
![Jermaine Wattimena reached his first ever semi-final and final on the circuit [Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe]](https://e0.365dm.com/26/07/768x432/skysports-wattimena-darts-european-darts-open_7296183.jpg?20260712231107)
Wattimena reached the first and last semi-finals on the circuit [Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe]
2026 European Darts Open
Sunday July 12
Afternoon Session
The Third Round
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-final
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-finalist
Jermaine Wattimena 7-3 Damon Heta
Krzysztof Ratajski 7-5 Sebastian Bialecki
Finally
Krzysztof Ratajski 8-6 Jermaine Wattimena
What’s next for Sky Sports?
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Watch all nine darts scored in the World Matchplay
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place at the iconic Winter Gardens from July 18-26, as a field of 32 players compete for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
World No 1 Luke Littler will be looking for back-to-back titles in Blackpool, with 2024 champion Luke Humphries and three-time World Cup winner Van Gerwen also making their debuts at the £1m event.
This summer’s action will also feature the fifth edition of the Betfred Women’s Matchplay World, as eight of the biggest players 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 other top games NOW.
