Raymond Russell back in the big time

The 38-year-old from Prestonpans, who shared fourth in the 1998 Open, signed off with a battling three-under 68 for a one-under 283 and tied for 12th behind English winner Matt Haines, who carved out a fine 66 for an eight-under 276.

That result gave Russell a cheque for 5,293 and, when the calculations were finally done amid almost unbearable tension, it was enough to hoist him from 21st on the Challenge Tour rankings to 19th, with just the leading 20 earning promotion to the European circuit.

For a delighted Russell, who made the qualifying zone by a mere 920, it marked the last step of a determined clamber back up the professional ladder.

A niggling shoulder injury, which forced him out of the 2006 Dutch Open, led to surgery and kept him on the sidelines for almost a year. In that time, the 1996 Cannes Open winner had dropped down the divisions but, having been forced to start again from scratch on a variety of circuits, the Scot's drive to return to the top has been rewarded.

"I'm very proud of myself for what I've done," said Russell. "Yes, I've had a tough spell but that's part of the game. I love what I do. It's a fortunate position I'm in as a golfer and I knew I would just need to get my head down."

Two-over after five holes of a crucial closing round, Russell rallied superbly and produced a telling thrust of three birdies in a row from the sixth to kick-start his final-day flourish

He added: "The most pleasing thing for me today was that I shot a score like this under pressure. That confirms to me that, mentally, I can still do it and that is a big thing.

"I now need to keep improving. Obviously age is not on my side but I know what to expect on the tour and it will be nice to be back."

While Russell had to endure an anxious wait to discover whether he had been successful, Anstruther man George Murray was in the comfortable position of knowing that he had already secured a place at the top table, having worked his way into the top-ten on the Order of Merit during a consistent campaign

The 27-year-old, who scored his maiden win on the Challenge Tour in June's Scottish Hydro Challenge, managed to end his year in style, knocking a five-iron to 12 feet on the 18th and rolling in the birdie putt in a level-par 71 for a 283 and a share of 12th with Russell.

"From the start of the year right through to the finish I've played well," said Murray, now in his fifth year as a professional. "In previous years, there was one good week followed by three or four really bad ones.This was a nice end to a very good season."

Glasgow golfer Scott Jamieson cemented his place in the European Tour card-winning places with a final-round one-under 70 for a level-par 284 as he finished in a share of 17th. The 26-year-old, who eventually claimed 14th on the Order of Merit, has made impressive strides up the professional ranks and this was his second promotion in a row, having moved on to the Challenge Tour this season after winning the PGA EuroPro circuit's money-list in 2009.

"It was always the dream to play on the European Tour," said Jamieson, who turned pro at the end of the 2006 season. "The hard work really starts now though but hopefully it's a case of onwards and upwards."

At the head of the field, Kent rookie Haines saved his best until last as he captured his maiden pro title with a sparkling five-under round.

The 20-year-old, three off the pace overnight, made an eagle on the 15th as he hauled himself to the top and secured the 45,284 first prize, as well as a European Tour place, when 54-hole leader Daniel Gaunt slipped to a bogey on the final hole.