KATHMANDU, Dec 25: Shiva Ram Shrestha has leapfrogged into the lead after the second day of the first event of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2019-20, Surya Nepal Central Open.
Shrestha carded seven-under 65 on Tuesday for a total of six-under 138 to take six-stroke lead over Bhuwan Nagarkoti and newly turned pro Shukra Bahadur Rai, who are at even-par 144. Nagarkoti turned in a card of two-over 74 and Rai carded even-par 72.
Rame Magar (71), Rabi Khadka (73), Sanjay Lama (75) and Deepak Thapa Magar (75) are at one-over 145. Tanka Bahadur Karki and Ramesh Adhikari are at two-over 146. Karki turned in a card of three-over 75 and Adhikari carded two-under 70. Bhuwan Kumar Rokka is at three-over 147 as he carded two-over 74.
Shiva Ram takes sole lead in Eastern Open
Likewise, Amateur Subash Tamang (71), Dhana Bahadur Thapa (73) and Kumar Kami (77) are at four-over 148.
The cut was applied at nine-over 153 and 23 professionals and three amateurs survived the cut after the mid-way of the tournament. Other pros who made the cut are Jayaram Shrestha (149), Dinesh Prajapati(150), Pradeep Kumar Lama(150), Sachin Prasad Bhattarai(150), Pashupati Sharma(150), Bal Bhadra Rai(152), Krishna Man Rajbahak (152), Ram Krishna Shrestha(152), Bipin Tamang (153), Shivaram Poudel (153) and Sunil KC (153).
Amateur Ritesh Tamang is five-strokes behind Subash Tamang as the former carded three-over 75 for a total of nine-over 153.
A total of 47 players -- a record number of 43 pros and four amateurs -- are taking part in the first event of the season.
The winner of the tournament will bag a cash prize of Rs 125,000, while the runner-up will receive a bag of Rs 80,000. Likewise, the third-placed pro will get Rs 58,000.
Also, the professionals who have made the cuts will earn cash prizes as well.
