Dutchman Sjeng Schalken claimed his first career grass court title in front of a home crowd on Sunday, defeating Arnaud Clement of France at the Ordina Open in 'S-Hertogenbosch.

The 25-year-old enhanced his growing reputation on the surface ahead of Wimbledon by fighting back from a set down for the third time in the tournament to clinch a 3-6 6-3 6-2 win against Clement, who was appearing in his first final since the 2001 Australian Open.

After getting himself back into the game having lost the first set, Schalken then trailed 2-1 in the third set before reeling off five straight games, much to the delight of the home crowd.

"I prefer this title to everything," said Schalken after winning what was his seventh career title.

"I've won titles all over the world, but it feels good to win in front of your home crowd."

Schalken reached the semi-finals at the Stella Artois Championships last week before losing to eventual champion Lleyton Hewitt, the top seed at Wimbledon.

Schalken will be seeded 18th at the All England Club and open his glory bid at SW19 against Kristian Pless of Denmark.

"I knew Arnaud could always come back, even at 5-2 down in the third, because I've lost to him a couple of times when I was leading," added Schalken, who has won five of seven matches against Clement.

Clement was seeking his second career title and had won just 12 of 26 matches entering his first grass court event of the year.

He will face Albert Montanes of Spain in the first round at Wimbledon.

"It was a great week for me at a great place," said Clement, whose only career title came two years ago in Lyon.

"The first set was perfect for me. After that, Sjeng played better. Sjeng was too good for me today."