VERSAILLES - Argentina's Rafa Echenique produced a storming birdie finish to hold on to the outright lead after the third round of the French Open at Le Golf National on Saturday.

The 28-year-old South American, who led by two at the halfway stage, had been hauled in by rising German star Martin Kaymer at 10-under, but he then produced a superb seven-iron approach to eight feet at the last.

Echenique holed the subsequent putt for a round of one-under 70 and led Kaymer by one stroke at 11-under going into the final round. England's Paul Waring was in third place a shot further back.

England's Seve Benson, Richard Green of Australia and Peter Hanson of Sweden were on eight under with a trio comprising Lee Westwood of England, Robert-Jan Derksen of the Netherlands and Charl Schwartzel of South Africa on seven-under.

Although Echenique failed to reproduce the sizzling form that brought him a two-stroke lead at the halfway stage, he stood his ground throughout a long, hot afternoon to stay ahead.

Two early bogeys on the front nine were matched by two birdies and from the ninth he reeled off nine straight pars before his heroics at the 18th.

"I am proud to be in this position," said Echenique, who explained that he had been listening to advice here this week from compatriot and reigning Masters Champion Angel Cabrera, who missed the cut.

"For the first three of four holes I was not relaxed, but then I started to calm down and enjoy it," he said.

"I need to stay patient for tomorrow and take it hole by hole."

Kaymer, the European Rookie of the Year in 2007, had led by three strokes after an opening, course-record equalling 62 on Thursday but was overtaken by Echenique after a second round of 72.

The German bogeyed the first but birdies on six and seven got him back to nine under. A run of pars followed before he birdied the tough 17th to get to 10 under and a brief share of the lead.

"The first day was awesome, then I struggled, and today was allright," he said.

"I am really pleased with a 69 and I have been in this position before so I hope the experience I have can be helpful."

The leaders' failure to post low scores later in the day, however, has opened the doors for such as Ian Poulter of England and Scottish veteran Colin Montgomerie, who both bounded back into contention.

Poulter, who took a week off after the US Open, came in with a five-under 66 to get to six under for the tournament

"I looked at the weather forecast this morning and saw it was going to be perfect conditions. I knew that if I played solid I would make a lot of chances," he said.

"I didn't miss a fairway, didn't miss a green so it was pretty flawless. Apart from the second shot into the last which I thought was pathetic - I was already thinking about my lunch which is stupid.

Montgomerie, in search of some form ahead of the British Open at Turnberry, went even better with a six-under 65, his best round of the year to get to five-under overall.

Runner-up here last year and winner in 2000, the Ryder Cup skipper has a particular affection for Le Golf National and he was hopeful playing here this week could kickstart his season.

"Very important. The third rounds have been very weak this year - the ones that I have had - and I just have to keep going," he said.

"My World Rankings position is as low as its ever been; my Race to Dubai position equally so and I just have to keep at it, keep trying and persevering with it and hoping that it will come back one day.

"Today is just one day of hopefully a number of good days ahead."

- AFP /ls