KATHMANDU, Dec 23: Dhurba Thapa finished on top in the opening day of the Old Durbar Lions Centennial Open Golf Tournament at Royal Nepal Golf Club, Kathmandu on Friday.

Dhurba got better of Pissanu Charnfun on count back after both of them scored equal 36 points each. The 18 handicap golfer Dhurba scored 16 points on front nine and added 20 points on the back nine. Pissanu, the eight handicap, scored 19 on the first half and 17 on the latter half. Damodar Khadka stands third with 35 points.

Pratima Sherpa leads the women's event with 41 points. The five handicap Pratima scored 22 on front nine and 19 on back nine. Pawitra Yakthumba (32 points) and Sandhya Rai (27 points) are second and third respectively.

Altogether 43 players completed their rounds on Friday and 60 players are scheduled to play their rounds on Saturday. The event organized by Lions Club of Dingla Bhojpur will have competitions in six sections including men, women, gross, senior, super senior and Lions. 

The winners of men's and women's sections will receive air tickets to Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok, while the top finishers of other categories get trophies and gift hampers.

Meanwhile, a separate putting competition will be held on Saturday for the members of the Lions Clubs and their families.