rewrite this title European Darts Open: Krzysztof Ratajski beats Jermaine Wattimena to lift title ahead of World Matchplay

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.”

2026 European Darts Open

Sunday July 12

Afternoon SessionRound ThreeJermaine Wattimena 6-1 Ryan JoyceLuke Woodhouse 6-5 Jonny ClaytonDirk van Duijvenbode 6-3 Wessel NijmanDamon Heta 6-4 Michael van GerwenSebastian Bialecki 6-4 Kevin DoetsJames Wade 6-2 Jan SchmidtNathan Aspinall 6-4 Ross SmithKrzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Gian van Veen

Evening SessionQuarter-finalsJermaine Wattimena 6-5 Luke WoodhouseDamon Heta 6-2 Dirk van DuijvenbodeSebastian Bialecki 6-2 James WadeKrzysztof Ratajski 6-4 Nathan Aspinall

Semi-finalsJermaine Wattimena 7-3 Damon HetaKrzysztof Ratajski 7-5 Sebastian Bialecki

FinalKrzysztof Ratajski 8-6 Jermaine Wattimena

What’s happening on Sky Sports next?

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.