The Royal Nepal Golf Club (RNGC) pro registered the card of even-par 72 to take one-stroke lead over fellow RNGC pro Rabi Khadka and Dharan pro Sabin Sapkota, who are on one-over 73.[break]
Deepak Neupane and Krishna Man Rajbahak are tied for fourth at two-over 74, while pros Umesh Nagarkoti, Ram Thapa and Ramesh Adhikari shared the sixth position with the score of three-over 75.
Defending champion Rupak Acharya shot four-over 76 to share the ninth position along with Pashupati Sharma and Ramesh Nagarkoti.
In amateur section, Tashi Tsering carded three-over 75 to take a four-stroke lead over fellow Gokarna Club amateur Wanchen Dhondup, who shot seven-over 79. Dipendra Rayamajhi and Rabin Rana shared the third spot at nine-over 81.
Altogether 44 golfers — 25 pros and 19 amateurs — are taking part in the four-day event organized by Nepal PGA under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. The cut will be applied after the second round with top 21 pros and six amateurs qualifying for the final two rounds.
The winning pro will receive Rs 80,000 while runner-up will get Rs 51,000.
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