Goosen won the Lancome Trophy in 2000

The South African saw his advantage cut by one shot to three strokes after a closing bogey.

But his three-under-par 68 for a 17-under-par total of 196 was still too good for the rest of the field at Versailles.

Ireland's Paul McGinley was Goosen's nearest challenger after shooting a 66.

Nicolas Colsaerts, Goosen's third-round playing partner, kept in touch by shooting a 68 that left him four strokes off the lead.

LANCOME LEADERBOARD 196 Retief Goosen 199 Paul McGinley 200 Nicolas Colsaerts 201 Ian Poulter 203 Damien McGrane 204 Raphael Jacquelin, David Lynn, Marten Olander, Hennie Otto

The 20-year-old Belgian was one shot ahead of England's double winner this year, Ian Poulter. He posted 65, the best round of the day.

Former US Open champion Goosen made the most of near-perfect conditions, reaching the turn in three-under 33 to go 17-under.

He struggled over the back nine but even when he did hit a drive into trouble he was able to get the ball up and down to save his par.

His luck finally ran out on the par-three 18th when he pulled his tee shot well wide of the green and failed to make a six-footer for par.

Like Goosen, McGinley reached the turn in three-under 33, but he then rattled off three birdies coming home to card a five-under 66 and snatch second.

Poulter began the day eight behind Goosen but his 65 gave him an outsize chance of snatching his third win of the year.

"Five shots behind should be too many but every so often something can happen," said Poulter, who is recovering from tonsilitis.