Dubai: Benjamin Hebert wrote his name in the record books when he coasted to an emphatic third win of the season on a dramatic day at the Dubai Festival City Challenge Tour Grand Final at the Al Badia Golf Club.

He finished five clear of Jerome Lando Casanova at 12-under par thanks to a closing 69 on Saturday, a feat that ensured he became the first player in history to have won three times in a season on two separate occasions.

Few could question the serene way in which Hebert went about his business on the final day, posting five birdies to counter just two dropped shots to extend his lead as attention then turned to the battle for a place in an increasingly fluid top 15 on the Rankings and a spot on next season’s European Tour.

For much of the day it had looked like Lasse Jensen had done enough to earn his place amongst the graduating class, but a difficult run around the turn put paid to his chances and left the way clear for the charging Casanova, who hit light speed on the final day in Dubai.

The Frenchman started the week with a 78 in the opening round to all but ensure a trip to next week’s Qualifying School Final Stage, but a fantastic run over the final three rounds saw him sign for a 69, and climb 25 places on the rankings into 13th place.

It was a nervous wait though for Lando Casanova, thanks to a bogey at the 17th which had seen him drop out, but a birdie at the last saw him jump back in, and when Oliver Farr dropped a shot at the last, his graduation was secure.

As for his compatriot Hebert, he was just pleased to sign off the season in such a positive manner, as he prepares for a second crack at the big time next year. “It is a perfect season end for sure. I played very well the last three months, but this is a great feeling. I practice hard and keep myself positive in the bad times, and now it is okay and we will have a lot of fun now and then start practicing to improve my game for the European Tour.

“My game is much better than last time, but sometimes I still feel so-so on the course, and I have a few bad stretches which I want to fix. If I can sort this then I can perform well on The European Tour.

“It was a hard day, with the wind getting up at the end of the day, but I stayed focused with my caddie and played it shot-by-shot. I had some good birdies on 14 and 15 which gave me a good advantage and the last two holes I was just patient until the 18th.

“I want to keep my card next year on Tour. I have won six times on the Challenge Tour, but now I want to win on The European Tour. Winning three times in two different season has never been done before, but I would exchange all of those for one win on The European Tour.