KRZYSZTOF RATAJSKI admits he was left “in shock” after being accused of clicking his flights during his heated clash with Danny Noppert.
The Polish Eagle took on Noppert in the quarter-final of the European Darts Grand Prix, with tensions rising during a dramatic contest in Sindelfingen.
World no11 Noppert appeared visibly frustrated on stage, pausing between throws and repeatedly looking back around the arena amid concerns over Ratajski fiddling with his darts in his hand.
The former UK Open champ’s body language made his feelings clear as the match reached its climax.
But Ratajski insisted he was completely unaware of any issue at the time and was taken aback by the situation as it unfolded.
Ratajski showed great resilience to battle back from 5-4 down and survive a match dart, eventually sealing a thrilling 6-5 victory in a tense decider.
The pair then exchanged words on stage after the clash, although they did shake hands in a brief show of respect following the fiery encounter.
Ratajski said: “I didn’t expect it because I don’t feel it.
“I don’t hear it.
“It was my fault, I was in shock and I missed three darts at a double after this because I didn’t know what happened.”
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Ratajski was unable to carry that momentum into the next round and was eventually knocked out in the semi-finals.
He fell 7-5 to Ross Smith, ending his hopes of claiming a third European Tour title.
The 49-year-old endured a nightmare start, missing his first TEN darts at a double.
This allowed Smith to race into a commanding 3-0 lead, an advantage he never relinquished.
Ratajski has enjoyed a strong start to the year, reaching the quarter-finals of both the World Championship and the World Masters.
This has underlined his continued presence among the sport’s top performers.
