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.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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