Murphy dominated matters to successfully retain his title

In a scrappy encounter, Murphy claimed his first major title for 12 months with a 9-3 victory.

Although the Irishman won the opening frame with a 92 break, world number three Murphy led 5-2 after the afternoon session.

He went 7-2 ahead and although Doherty pulled one frame back, Murphy was not going to be denied victory.

He won a tight 11th frame and then completed the win with a 76 break in the 12th and final frame.

The win sees Murphy become only the second player to win back-to-back titles on the Mediterranean island.

Only Stephen Hendry has achieved the feat when he won the Rothmans Grand Prix and European Open titles at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in 2001.

"Ken's a very crafty player and the match was very stagnated in patches," said Murphy afterwards.

"But that's matchplay snooker, it was two players not giving each other anything.

606: DEBATE The only reason Murphy has progressed and won this tournament is because he takes every single one seriously anglogreco

"I was pleased to come through in the end, my best break probably came in the last frame, but it was a nice way to finish the match.

"I've had a few semi-finals this season, so it was nice to win an event for a change.

"I've given myself every chance this season, my victory's finally come and, who knows, it might not be my last one of the season."

Doherty was left to reflect on a disappointing display in the decider.

"I started off great in the first frame, but then I struggled with position. It was a real contrast to the way I played in the semi-finals when I beat John Higgins," he said.

"I was frustrated with the way I played, but I had plenty of chances. For some reason the match never took off, which was a shame, but I've got to take the positives from this week."