Murphy in control in Malta

Shaun Murphy, without a trophy since he stunned snooker by winning the 2005 World Championship, took control of the Malta Cup final at the Portomaso Hilton Conference Centre this afternoon.

The 24 year-old Rotherham-based potter built a commanding 6-1 lead over Welshman Ryan Day after the first session and was left requiring only three more frames to collect the £30,000 first prize.