Updated on Saturday, July 04, 2009, 23:49 IST

St Quentin, July 04: Argentine Rafa Echenique birdied the final hole of his third round to edge into a one-shot lead on 11-under-par 202 at the French Open on Saturday.

An eight-foot putt after a fine approach over the lake by Echenique dropped Germany’s Martin Kaymer (69), who equalled the course record 62 in the first round, back to second place.

Britain’s Paul Waring (68) was a further stroke back, a shot in front of compatriot Seve Benson (68), Australian Richard Green (70) and Sweden’s Peter Hanson (70).

Echenique will draw inspiration from twice major champion Angel Cabrera to try to win his maiden European Tour title on Sunday.

“Angel is a good friend and my idol,” Echenique told reporters. “I play a lot with him and he gives me good advice.”

“He is a different level now so he knows what he is talking about. He told me if I get in position to win I must relax and not be tense. That’s what I hope to do tomorrow.”

“I was very nervous early on in the round but I did settle down, even though my putter didn’t work very well today. The birdie on the last made me feel very good,” the 28-year-old said.

Last week in Munich, Echenique secured his second European Tour runner-up spot after scoring an albatross on the 18th in the final round.

Kaymer, 24, felt his greater experience in winning two European Tour titles already might stand him in good stead as he aimed for a third victory to help him climb into the world ranking top 20.

“I can remember when I was leading in Abu Dhabi, trying to win for the first time and you can get very nervous because it is a new situation for you,” Kaymer told reporters. “But I’ve been up there a few times now and I hope to use that experience tomorrow.”

Bureau Report