Snooker/ Malta Cup: Shaun Murphy beat Ken Doherty last night to make a successful defence of his Malta Cup crown.

The defending champion registered an impressive 9-3 victory over former winner Doherty in this year's best-of-17 frame final at the Hilton Conference Centre.

And, despite managing just two notable breaks in a scrappy affair, the Rotherham professional made sure he pocketed the €27,000 winner's cheque.

Dubliner Doherty walked away with €12,000 as a worthy runner-up, but for most of a frustrating night had to watch his opponent enjoy a large amount of ball run as both players failed to sparkle.

Murphy, though, deserved his win - a victory which secured his first major title for 12 months having beaten Welshman Ryan Day in last year's final in the resort of Portomaso.