KATHMANDU, March 23: Tashi Tsering claimed the title of the Nepal Amateur Open Golf Championship in playoff on Thursday at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club in Gokarna, Kathmandu.
Tashi overcame Sukra Bahadur Rai in the first extra hole after they were tied on total score of three-over 219 in the 54-hole event. In the third and final round of the event played on Thursday, Tashi carded one-under 71 while Sukra played one-over 73.
Wangchan Dhundup carded one-over 73 to finish third for the final round total of four-over 220.
In the playoff, Tashi's tee-shot landed seven feet away from the hole while Sukra missed the green. In the following shot, Sukra was unable to sink from outside the green while Tashi found the cup for a birdie and title win. Earlier, Sukra squandered a chance to win in the last hole after he missed a birdie from eight feet.
Tanka Bahadur Karki carded three-under 69, the tournament's best score and finished fourth with total score of seven-over 223. Overnight leader Shiva Kumar Majhi had played eight-over 80 for a final score of nine-over 225 to finish joint fifth along with Tsendra Dorji of Bhutan and Md Shomrat Sikder of Bangladesh. Tsendra carded four-over 76 and Shomrat two-over 74.
Nepal amateur golf begins today
Earlier team Nepal B consisting of Sukra Bahadur Rai and Shiva Kumar Majhi secured the team event title with total score of 291. Bangladesh team consisting of Md Shah Alam and Md Shomrat Sikder finished second with the score of 302.
Hridesh Kumar Singh (71), Sukra Bahadur Rai (72) and Tanka Bahadur Karki (69) won the best scorers of each day -- the first, second and final day -- respectively.
Tenzing Tsering won the best award of 16 and below age category with 228 score while Subash Ghising stood second with 249 score.
Rabendra Raj Pandey emerged victorious in the nine-hole competition for senior golfers of 50 and above age category. He secured 18 points in the nine-hole competition that featured 23 senior golfers.
Nepal Golf Association President Madhukar Yakthumba, Vice President Prachanda Bahadur Shrestha, General Secretary Tashi Ghale, Advisor Pyar Jung Thapa among others distributed prizes to the winners.
Altogether 48 players from Nepal Bangladesh and Bhutan took part in the tournament.