Echenique still leads Open de France golf

PARIS, July 4 (UPI) -- Rafa Echenique shot 1-under-par 70 Saturday and maintained his lead at the European Tour's Open de France golf tournament in Paris.

Echenique, a native of San Luis, Argentina, held on to the top spot after a closing birdie at the par-4 18th hole.

His 54-hole total, 11-under 202, left him one-stroke ahead of Germany's Martin Kaymer (69) after leading by three Friday.

"That last birdie was very good because the putter just didn't work for me today," Echenique said after a round that included three birdies and two bogeys.

He will attempt to win his first European Tour tournament title Sunday.

At 9-under 204, England's Paul Waring (68) is in third place, while Australia's Richard Green (70), Sweden's Peter Hanson (70) and England's Seve Benson (68) all share fourth with 8-under 205 totals.

Spain's Pablo Larrazabal, the defending champion, is at 1-over 214, with England's Barry Lane (74) and South Africa's Hennie Otto (73) tied for 31st.