(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-03-31 09:10

BEIJING - Stephen Maguire took the title of the 2008 World Snooker China Open with a dramatic 10-9 victory over Shaun Murphy on Monday.

Maguire had a dreaming start with a 5-3 lead in the first half. Murphy then fought back with a 136 break to keep the pace and powered into a 7-5 lead thanks to runs of 75, 46, 81 and 45.

Stephen Maguire from Scotland (Center) poses with his trophy of the 2008 World Snooker China Open in Beijing March 30, 2008. Maguire beat Shaun Murphy from England in the final. [Xinhua]

However, it was Maguire's favor as he dished out a match-high 137 break, took the 14th frame and then added breaks of 80 and 89 to edge within one frame of victory.

"I knew it would be tough but I was happy with the way I held it together at the end of the match," said Maguire.

Murphy did not lose his composure and forced the game into final frame by runs of 86 and 57.

Maguire took the lead with a 35 break, and Murphy responded with a 38. However, it was Maguire who triumphed by potting the final pink to seal the win with 64-60.

"I've been practicing really hard, but I admit there were definitely a few nerves there. It's a fantastic feeling to win," added Maguire.

Winning the title, Maguire followed Neil Robertson's achievement of last term to take two ranking titles in the same season.

As well as the first prize, he also takes home a cheque for 22,000 pounds for his 147 maximum break against Day.

It was Maguire's second title in a ranking event this season, following November's 9-5 win over Fergal in the Northern Ireland Trophy. It was also his first title in Asia.