Gilles Simon won the third title of his career on Saturday at the Grand Prix Hassan II.

Simon defeated fifth-seeded Julien Benneteau 7-5 6-2 in an all-French championship match at the claycourt event.

Though Simon is ranked 36th in the world - 29 spots higher than Benneteau - he was technically a qualifier at this event.

Consequently, the 23-year-old becomes the second qualifier to win an ATP title this year, joining Japan's Kei Nishikori.

Simon had not won on tour since claiming the title at Bucharest in September.

Benneteau beat Simon in their only previous meeting last season, but could not repeat the effort in this his first ATP final in 102 career tournaments.

The 26-year-old had advanced to the final with a hard-fought 1-6 6-1 6-3 victory over third seed Augustin Calleri of Argentina.

Simon, meanwhile, was well-rested as he did not have to play a semi-final Friday - countryman and top seed Jo-Wilfried Tsonga pulled out of their match due to a right knee injury and is also out of the French Open.

Ranked as high as 29th late last season, Simon could find himself back in the top 30 when the updated world rankings are released on Monday.