Murray was viewed as the favourite for the men’s event after the 29-year-old won the opening event of the competition in Cape Town.

Having been the home favourite on that occasion, the tables were turned when he faced strong competition from Australia’s Matthew Hauser during the sprint distance race.

Little separated the two throughout the duration of the event, with the pair going head-to-head on the five kilometre run.

Murray ultimately edged clear to triumph in a time of 53min 09sec, with junior world champion Hauser four seconds adrift as the runner-up.

The podium was rounded off by the United States’ Matthew McElro, who finished in 53:17.

"It managed to all come together," said Murray.

"I was really pushed on this one.

"Matt Hauser turned the gas on in those final laps.

"That was a lot harder than anticipated."

There was home success in the women’s race, with Emma Jeffcoat producing a dominant performance.

The Australian led out of the swim section of the race and remained out in front until the finish, ending in a winning time of 59:35.

United States’ Kirsten Kasper finished 16 seconds down on the winner, with Italy's Angelica Olmo third in at time of exactly one hour.

The next ITU World Cup is due to take place in Plymouth in New Zealand on March 24.