Krzysztof Ratajski defeated Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in a thrilling final to win the European Darts Open in Leverkusen.
Ratajski raced into a 4-1 lead but Wattimena fought back five legs in a row but the Pole was beaten 6-4 to claim his first title of 2026 and third ever on the European Tour.
Having dethroned defending champion Nathan Aspinall on his way to the final, the new world number 20 has his sights set on the Betfred World Matchplay, live on the Betfred World Matchplay channel. Sky Sports from July 18-26.
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“I’m very happy. I don’t know what to say,” said the 2021 Matchplay semi-finalist. “It was an even game. Jermaine played very well and I’m very glad I survived.
“I didn’t expect this. 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 can win this first match. Let’s see”.
Ratajski came in 6-4 to defeat Jermaine Wattimena (Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe).
The victory ensured Ratajski maintained his perfect record in the ProTour final, while the defeat was an achievement for Wattimena, who reached the semi-finals and finals for the first time on the circuit.
“I’m very happy about it,” said the Dutchman. “It was a magical day.
“I missed a few chances, but he also missed a few chances, so I think it’s a fair result. He was the better player, so well done to Krzysztof.”
Wattimena reached his first semi-final and final on the track (Sebastian Doppstadt/PDC Europe)
European Open Darts Championship 2026
Sunday, July 12
Afternoon session
Third round
Jermaine Wattimena 6-1 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-5 Jonny Clayton
Dirk van Duivenbode 6-3 Wessel Neumann
Damon Heta 6-4 Michael van Gerwen
Sebastian Bialecki 6-4 Kevin Doets
James Wade 6-2 Ian Schmidt
Nathan Aspinall 6-4 Ross Smith
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Jan van Veen
Evening session
Quarterfinals
Jermaine Wattimena 6-5 Luke Woodhouse
Damon Heta 6-2 Dirk van Duivenbode
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
Final
Krzysztof Ratajski 8-6 Jermaine Wattimena
What’s next on Sky Sports?
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Track every nine-darter hit at the World Matchplay.
The 2026 Betfred World Matchplay will take place at the famous Winter Gardens from July 18 to 26, where 32 players will compete for the prestigious Phil Taylor Trophy.
World number one Luke Littler will be eyeing back-to-back titles in Blackpool, while 2024 champion Luke Humphreys and three-time World Matchplay winner Van Gerwen are also set to star in the £1m event.
This summer will also see the fifth stage of the Betfred Women’s World Matchplay, which will see eight of the biggest names in the women’s game battle it out for the title currently held by Lisa Ashton.
Who will win the World Matchplay Darts this year? Luke Littler will defend his title and you can watch all the action on Sky Sports. Watch darts and other popular sports now!.