Krzysztof Ratajski added a third European Tour title to his name in Leverkusen last weekend, as he overcame Jermaine Wattimena in the final with a solid display. The Polish number one was delighted with his success in the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Open, and revealed it was more than he had expected heading into […]
Krzysztof Ratajski added a third European Tour title to his name in Leverkusen last weekend, as he overcame Jermaine Wattimena in the final with a solid display.
The Polish number one was delighted with his success in the Elten Safety Shoes European Darts Open, and revealed it was more than he had expected heading into Germany.
“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,” admitted Ratajski.
Ratajski – a former Gibraltar Darts Trophy and German Darts Open winner – kicked off his campaign with victory over German star Max Hopp, before dumping out world number three Gian van Veen in the last 16.
The former World Matchplay semi-finalist also accounted for reigning champion Nathan Aspinall before he saw off fellow countryman Sebastian Bialecki in the semi-finals.
“It was very difficult for me. I’m really happy. I don’t know what to say,” continued Ratajski, who averaged 100.40 in his comeback win over Bialecki.
“We played against each other one week ago and it was very close, 6-5 to me, and Sebastian showed on this stage many times how good he is.
“I expect many finals for him and many wins.”
Ratajski also reflected on his encounter with reigning European Champion Van Veen, with the pair set to go head-to-head in the opening round of the World Matchplay.
“I beat my opponent in Blackpool [Van Veen] but it’s a different tournament, a different day,” added Ratajski, a World Championship quarter-finalist in January.
“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 49-year-old goes into this clash as the underdog, but is no stranger to a deep run at the Winter Gardens.
In 2021, he reached the semi-finals before succumbing to Dimitri Van den Bergh, dispatching Brendan Dolan, Luke Humphries and Callan Rydz along the way.
Yet, with another European Tour title under his belt, Poland’s premier player will be full of confidence ahead of his return to the seaside.