Sapkota carded three-over 76 to remain second on the first day. [break]Sanjay Lama, Shiva Ram Shrestha, Ram Thapa and Ramesh Nagarkoti were tied for the third position with the scores of five-over 78.
Defending champion Rabi Khadka and Deepak Neupane were seventh at six-over 79. Rajan Thapa, Yalamber Adhikari and Mani Rai were in the ninth spot with the scores of 81. Current money leader Rupak Acharya and Deepak Thapa Magar were tied for the 12th position at nine-over 82.
Umesh Nagarkoti, who was the runner-up to Shiva Ram Shrestha in the NPGA President´s Cup last month, played even-par 37 on the front nine that included two birdies against two bogeys. On the back nine, Umesh shot three bogeys against a lone birdie for two-over 38.
In the Amateur section, Pushkar Rajbahak was on top after a round of 10-over 83. Rabin Rana and Ramesh Gurung were tied for the second position at 86.
Altogether 48 golfers - 29 pros and 19 amateurs - are taking part in the 54-hole tournament. Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd is the main sponsor of the tournament and Yeti Airlines is the co-sponsor.
The top three pros will receive Rs 80,000, Rs 51,000 and Rs 40,000, respectively. The cut will be applied on the second day after 36 holes with the top 20 and the ties making it to the final round. In the Amateur section, the top four and the ties will make the cut.
Related story
Shrestha, Nagarkoti share lead after third round
