Sanjay, the winner of Surya Nepal Western Open (2010) and Surya Nepal Eastern Open (2014), edged past Shiva Ram in the second extra hole to claim his third career title.The fate of the winner was decided through playoff after Sanjay and Shiva Ram were tied at 12-under 276 following completion of 72 holes. In the final day, Sanjay carded six-under 66 and Shiva Ram finished with four-under 68. Overnight leader Bhuwan Nagarkoti slumped to third after he succumbed to worst score of the tournament with four-over 76.
In the playoff, both title contenders squandered birdie chances on the par-3 hole No 10 and pulled pars to take the match to second extra hole. On the hole No 18 of par-4, Sanjay gained upper hand over Shiva Ram after he saved par from about 12 feet while the Nepal No 1 pro failed to do so from similar distance. Earlier, Sanjay forced the playoff when he carded a birdie from more than 10 feet after Shiva Ram two-putted for a par.
The winner Sanjay received a check of Rs 100,000 along with the trophy, while Shiva Ram settled for Rs 63,000 and Bhuwan got Rs 45,000.
Sanjay began the final round four strokes behind overnight leader Bhuwan and two shots behind Shiva Ram. But he was level with Shiva Ram after he carded four-under 32 on the front nine, while Bhuwan fell one shot behind the leading duo after he played one-over 37. Both Sanjay and Shiva Ram played two-under 34 on the back nine, while Bhuwan faltered to three-over 39.
Rame Magar finished fourth at two-under 286 after he played even-par 72, while Surya Prasad Sharma (73) finished fifth at one-over 289. Ramesh Adhikary (76) and Bal Bhadra Rai (73) shared sixth position at 293. Deepak Magar (80) and Pashupati Sharma (73) shared eighth position at 296. Debutant Bikash Bogati (75) finished 10th at nine-over 297.
Prithivi Malla won the amateur title with the total score of 309 after he played 10-over 82 on the final day. Nischaya Jung Rayamajhi (76) stood second at 314 and Tenzing Tsering (80) was third at 321.
Out of 39 players including nine amateurs, 22 pros and three amateurs made the cut after the second round. The tournament carried a total purse of Rs 540,750 and all the pros received their share of cash prizes.
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