Darts Dominance in Malta: Walker Reclaims World No.1, Ratajska and Evans Crowned Champions
The recent WDF circuit stop in Malta delivered thrilling darts action, seeing Jenson Walker reclaim his World Number One ranking after a dominant Open final victory. Karolina Ratajska made a spectacular return to form, securing two women’s titles after a seven-year wait, while David Evans clinched his inaugural WDF crown with an impressive performance. Local talent Thomas Sammut also successfully defended his Youth title, making it a memorable event for all involved.
Walker’s Triumphant Return to World No.1
The 2026/27 darts season kicked off with a bang in Malta, and for Jenson Walker, it marked a significant milestone. ‘The Interceptor’ showcased exceptional form, beating Nick Fulwell 5-2 in the Malta Open final. His victory was highlighted by two 180s and impressive finishes of 100, 111, and 113.
This wasn’t just another win; it was a reunion of familiar faces. Walker and Fulwell had previously teamed up for the Scottish Open Pairs final. This time, however, they were rivals, with Walker emerging victorious.
The stakes were high, far exceeding the €1,600 winner’s cheque. This win propelled Walker back to the top of the WDF Open rankings, a position he first achieved in February. Malta clearly holds a special place for him, as he also won the Malta Masters in 2025, a success that contributed to his impressive run to the semi-finals of the WDF World Championships at Lakeside.
Karolina Ratajska’s Double Triumph Ends Seven-Year Wait
For Poland’s Karolina Ratajska, the Malta circuit was nothing short of a dream come true. After a remarkable seven-year drought without a WDF ranking title, Ratajska stormed through the competition to claim not one, but two prestigious crowns.
Her journey to glory included:
- Malta Masters Ladies Final: She decisively beat Irina Armstrong 5-0, showcasing her dominance with an impressive 77.47 average.
- Malta Open Ladies Final: Just a day later, Ratajska secured her second title by narrowly defeating Anca Zijlstra 5-4 in a thrilling, full-distance match. She fired in seven 14-dart legs, proving her consistency under pressure.
These back-to-back victories mark a spectacular return to the forefront of women’s darts for Ratajska.
David Evans Secures Inaugural WDF Title in Style
The Malta Open also witnessed a significant breakthrough for England’s David Evans. Known as ‘Stretch’, Evans secured his first-ever WDF title with a truly dominant performance. He swept aside Cliff Prior 5-0 in the final, leaving no doubt about his championship credentials.
Evans’s impressive statistics included a 14-dart leg and two 15-dart legs, contributing to an outstanding average just over 91. This victory is a culmination of years of dedication for Evans, who previously reached the quarter-finals of the 2020 BDO World Championship and topped the PDC Challenge Tour Order of Merit in the same year.
While Prior, the 2025 World Open Champion, struggled to find his rhythm in the final, his journey to the runner-up position still earned him recognition and valuable ranking points.
Homegrown Talent: Thomas Sammut Defends Youth Title
Malta’s own rising star, Thomas Sammut, delighted the home crowd by successfully defending his Malta Masters Youth title. He defeated Luke Cox 5-3 in a competitive final, opening and closing the match with impressive 17-dart legs.
This victory highlights Sammut’s rapid progression in the sport, especially considering he was a runner-up in the same final just two years prior, losing to Italy’s Francesco Basili. His consistent performance marks him as a promising talent to watch.
Source: Based on an article from Darts World Magazine.
