RATAJSKI IN DISBELIEF AFTER LANDING THIRD EUROPEAN TOUR CROWN

KRZYSZTOF RATAJSKI admitted he exceeded all expectations after ending a three-year wait for European Tour glory.

The world No23 picked up his THIRD crown on the circuit and his first since 2023 after beating Jermaine Wattimena 8-6 in the final of the European Darts Open.

Ratajski, 49, produced a clinical display, averaging 100 and pinning the Big Fish as he defeated fellow Pole Sebastian Bialecki 7-5 in the semi-finals, having earlier seen off Nathan Aspinall 6-4 in the quarter-finals.

The Polish Eagle confessed he never imagined he would leave Leverkusen with the title.

He said: “It was great fightback from Jermaine. He played very good. I am really happy that I done it in the end.

“It was very difficult for me. I am very happy. I don’t know what to say. I don’t expect it. I would be happy with just the last eight or last four.

“But the win is something more than I expected. I was 4-1 up then 6-4 down. He played very good and was taking out all his doubles.

“I am very happy I survived it.”

Ratajski now heads to the World Matchplay full of confidence after beating Gian van Veen 6-3 in the third round.

The pair renew their rivalry in the first round at Blackpool's Winter Gardens next week.

He added: “I beat today my opponent in Blackpool but it is a different tournament and different day. I will do my best and hope I play good.

“I hope I win the first match and maybe more.”

Words: Aaron Nijjar