Ratajski Beats Woodhouse to Reach Darts Quarters

Krzysztof Ratajski advanced to the quarterfinals of the PDC World Darts Championship for the second time in his career after defeating Luke Woodhouse 4-2 at Alexandra Palace in London on Tuesday. The 48-year-old Polish player, who has overcome significant health challenges, now faces defending champion Luke Littler in a highly anticipated matchup on New Year's Day.

Ratajski's victory over Woodhouse capped a strong run through the tournament, where he has beaten Alexis Toylo, Ryan Joyce, Wesley Plaisier and now Woodhouse. The match was marked by a tense moment when Woodhouse came agonizingly close to a nine-dart finish, hitting back-to-back 180s followed by a triple 20 and triple 19 before missing the required double 12. Such a feat would have awarded 60,000 pounds to the player, an equal amount to a randomly selected fan and another 60,000 to charity. Ratajski capitalized on the miss to win the leg and eventually the match, maintaining an average of around 97 and converting key doubles under pressure.

The win held deep personal significance for Ratajski, who underwent two life-saving brain surgeries in 2024 after being diagnosed with an aneurysm that caused swelling in a blood...