The result at the Cardiff International Arena was a reverse of last year's final in which Doherty prevailed 9-2.

This year, the 23-year-old Hunter pulled off a series of long pots after Doherty staged a late comeback.

And a break of 76 in the final frame ensured that the Leeds player landed the �82,500 first prize.

"I could have won 9-2 because I had plenty of chances but Ken is such a gritty player that he came back at me," Hunter said.

"When he came back to 8-7 I knew I'd have to win it in the next frame to stop him and it's a fantastic feeling to have done that."

Hunter dropped the opening frame but then won five in a row.

During this hot streak, he had a break of 141, the highest of his seven-year professional career.

A break of 56 from Doherty reduced the deficit to 5-2 and then the Irishman further cut into Hunter's lead by winning the next frame on the black.

After the interval, Hunter won two of the first three frames to extend his advantage to 7-4.

Doherty took the next two frames but Hunter raced through the 14th without conceding a point.