French Open spot secured by Raymond Russell

Raymond Russell can add the French Open to his 2011 schedule after winning the Allianz Tour's order of merit title at the weekend.

The Prestonpans professional, who will return to the European Tour next season, finished 10th in the third-tier circuit's Grand Final at Barbaroux which was enough to clinch the rankings crown as well as an invitation to the lucrative French showpiece.

Russell, 38, had been sitting in a share of second with a round to play and boosted his title bid with a two-under outward half which was highlighted by a hole-in-one at the short eighth.

But the former Cannes Open champion spilled four shots coming home in a two-over 74 for a four-under 212 and finished four strokes behind Victor Dubuisson.

A former Amateur champion, Dubuisson beat Edouard Dubois in a play-off after both players had tied on 208.

Gavin Dear birdied his last three holes in a battling 71 to finish alongside Russell on the 212 mark.

Like Russell, Dear has enjoyed an excellent season, his performances on the Alps Tour earning the Murrayshall man a step up to the Challenge Tour next year.