Shahi carded a total of seven birdies against a bogey to complete the 18 holes of the 11th and final tournament under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2011-12. [break]
Shahi had three birdies on the second, third and sixth holes as he took the turn at three-under 33. On the back nine, he had four birdies on the 10th, 13th, 17th and 18th holes and a bogey on the par-5 15th hole.
Neupane played a round of one-under 71. After playing an even-par 36 on the front nine, Deepak came up with one-under 35 on the back nine.
Umesh Nagarkoti and Deepak Thapa Magar shared the third position with a score of even-par 72, while Ramesh Adhikari and Ram Thapa were tied for fifth at one-over 73. Two more pros -- Sanjay Lama and Ramesh Nagarkoti -- were joint seventh at two-over 74, while four pros -- Rajan Thapa, CB Bhandari, Yelamber Singh Adhikari and Mani Rai -- shared the ninth spot with a score of three-over 75.
The winner of six events of the season and Nepal No 1 pro, Shiva Ram Shrestha slipped to joint 20th along with Dhruba KC with a score of six-over 78.
Shrestha played three-over 39 on both the halves and his round included a triple bogey on the par-5 seventh and a quadruple bogey on the par-5 11th hole. Pashupati Sharma pulled out of the tournament citing health reasons.
In Amateur section, Nepal No 1 Tashi Tsering occupies the top spot with one-over 73. Sanjay Lama was second with three-over 75, while Wangchen Dhondup and Jeevan Rai shared the third position at 76. Bhuwan Gurung (77) was fifth, while Ramesh Gurung and Michael Rai were joint sixth at seven-over 79. The top six amateur golfers from the event will qualify for the March 13-17 Surya Nepal Masters.
A total of 50 golfers -- 26 pros and 24 amateurs -- are taking part in the four-day tournament. The cut will be applied after the second round, with 20 pros and nine amateurs making it to the final two rounds.
Out of the total cash purse of Rs 425,000, the top three pros will receive Rs 80,000, Rs 50,000 and Rs 37,000 respectively. Others in the top 20 will also get their share of cash prize.
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