Krzysztof Ratajski Delights Home Fans at Poland Darts Open “This was one of the most valuable wins in my career”
Krzysztof Ratajski Delights Home Fans at Poland Darts Open “This was one of the most valuable wins in my career”
Krzysztof Ratajski set up a blockbuster second-round meeting with world number two Luke Humphries at the SUPERBET Poland Darts Open after delighting the home crowd with victory on Friday in Kraków.
The PDC European Tour’s maiden visit to Poland brought a vibrant atmosphere to the EXPO venue, and it was fitting that Ratajski — the nation’s most decorated darts star — took centre stage on the opening day. Backed by passionate local support, he produced a composed and clinical display to defeat former Grand Slam semi-finalist Mickey Mansell 6-3.
Despite Mansell averaging close to 99, Ratajski’s finishing proved decisive. Calm under pressure, he punished missed opportunities and controlled the latter stages to seal a memorable success on home soil.
“This was one of the most valuable wins in my career, for sure,” insisted Ratajski, who reached the quarter-finals of the World Championship last month.
“I was very nervous tonight. The expectation was high, but I played my game and I’m really happy I won for this great crowd.
“Of course I want to win [against Humphries]. This will be something special, but I will prepare like I always do for every game.”
Saturday’s clash with Humphries now stands as one of the ties of the round, with the Polish number one aiming to topple one of the sport’s most consistent performers in front of another partisan audience.
Elsewhere on Day One, Andrew Gilding delivered arguably the performance of the afternoon. Trailing 3-0 against Sweden’s leading player Jeffrey de Graaf, Gilding turned the contest on its head in sensational fashion, reeling off six straight legs to triumph 6-3 with a sparkling 106.55 average. That comeback victory sets up a second-round encounter against Dutch number one Gian van Veen.
Ireland’s William O’Connor also saw off Swedish opposition, overcoming Andreas Harrysson in a match of high quality to progress.
There was further drama as Connor Scutt registered his second European Tour stage victory with a gritty win over Damon Heta. Heta stormed back from 4-0 down, producing 11- and 12-dart breaks before landing a stunning 167 checkout to level at four apiece. However, Scutt refused to wilt, responding with a 106 finish and a crisp 12-darter to seal the match.
Wessel Nijman continued his strong start to the 2026 season with a 6-3 victory over Thomas Lovely, booking a mouth-watering showdown with two-time world champion Gary Anderson.
Meanwhile, Czech prospect Adam Gawlas held off a late charge from Dirk van Duijvenbode to claim a 6-3 win and set up a tie against current Premier League leader Jonny Clayton.
Spain’s Cristo Reyes impressed on his European Tour return, firing six 180s and converting 60% of his doubling attempts to defeat Niko Springer. Belgian number one Mike De Decker also progressed, edging past Marvin Kraft to arrange a fascinating contest with world number one Luke Littler.
Croatia’s Boris Krcmar averaged 102.44 in a polished display to deny Ryan Joyce, earning a meeting with German number one Martin Schindler.
Saturday’s schedule will also see Cameron Menzies take on James Wade for a place in the last 16, after Menzies crashed in nine 180s to defeat former European Champion Ritchie Edhouse 6-4.
Darryl Pilgrim punished a below-par display from Dave Chisnall to progress and will now face Nathan Aspinall. Elsewhere, Luke Woodhouse ran out a comfortable 6-2 winner against Carl Sneyd.
While Ratajski thrilled the home faithful, the remaining Polish hopefuls were unable to join him in round two. However, notable names such as Joe Cullen, Daryl Gurney, Jermaine Wattimena and Niels Zonneveld all progressed.
Cullen averaged 99 in his win over Krzysztof Kciuk to set up a renewal of his rivalry with former world champion Michael Smith, while Gurney eased past Dawid Robak 6-1. Wattimena and Zonneveld also came through their respective ties against Polish newcomers Miroslaw Grudziecki and Piotr Maciejczak.
Round Two takes place across two sessions on Saturday, with Littler, Humphries and Van Veen among the headline acts as the inaugural Polish European Tour event gathers momentum.
Krzysztof Ratajski Delights Home Fans at Poland Darts Open
2026 SUPERBET Poland Darts Open
Friday February 20
Round One
Afternoon Session
Cameron Menzies 6-4 Ritchie Edhouse
William O’Connor 6-4 Andreas Harrysson
Boris Krcmar 6-3 Ryan Joyce
Luke Woodhouse 6-2 Carl Sneyd
Niels Zonneveld 6-2 Piotr Maciejczak
Andrew Gilding 6-3 Jeffrey de Graaf
Jermaine Wattimena 6-4 Miroslaw Grudziecki
Darryl Pilgrim 6-4 Dave Chisnall
Evening Session
Wessel Nijman 6-3 Thomas Lovely
Daryl Gurney 6-1 Dawid Robak
Connor Scutt 6-4 Damon Heta
Krzysztof Ratajski 6-3 Mickey Mansell
Adam Gawlas 6-3 Dirk van Duijvenbode
Cristo Reyes 6-3 Niko Springer
Joe Cullen 6-2 Krzysztof Kciuk
Mike De Decker 6-4 Marvin Kraft
Saturday February 21
Round Two
Afternoon Session (1300 local time, 1200 GMT)
Martin Schindler v Boris Krcmar
Chris Dobey v Connor Scutt
Nathan Aspinall v Darryl Pilgrim
Danny Noppert v Jermaine Wattimena
Gary Anderson v Wessel Nijman
James Wade v Cameron Menzies
Ross Smith v Daryl Gurney
Ryan Searle v Cristo Reyes
Evening Session (1900 local time, 1800 GMT)
Josh Rock v William O’Connor
Jonny Clayton v Adam Gawlas
Michael Smith v Joe Cullen
Luke Littler v Mike De Decker
Callan Rydz v Luke Woodhouse
Luke Humphries v Krzysztof Ratajski
Stephen Bunting v Niels Zonneveld
Gian van Veen v Andrew Gilding
