Krzysztof Ratajski has expressed his surprise after being accused by Danny Noppert of loudly clicking his darts during their quarter-final match at the European Darts Grand Prix last weekend. The Polish player, who reached the semi-finals in the European Tour event, insisted he was unaware of any wrongdoing, stating in an on-stage interview: "I didn't expect it, because I didn't feel I was doing anything wrong. I didn't hear anything."
The incident unfolded as Noppert, who by reaching the quarter-finals is back up to world number 10 in the latest PDC Order of Merit update, appeared visibly irritated on stage throughout the match. The Dutchman, a former UK Open champion, took more time between throws, glanced around repeatedly, and seemed clearly annoyed by Ratajski's movements with his darts in hand. Ratajski conceded that the situation disrupted his rhythm, saying: "It was my mistake. I was in shock and then missed three darts at a double because I didn't understand what was happening."
Despite the unrest, Ratajski showed character by battling back from 5-4 down, surviving a match dart from Noppert, and ultimately edging the nerve-racking decider 6-5. Afterward, the pair exchanged words on stage before sharing a brief handshake. Ratajski's tournament ended in the semi-finals, where he made a disastrous start, missing no fewer than 10 darts at a double in the first three legs to fall 3-0 down, and he never recovered, losing 7-5. This marked his second consecutive semi-final appearance on the European Tour.
