Rupak Acharya, who started his professional golfing career from this event, was tied for the second place with Krishna Hari Mizar at three-under 69, two strokes ahead of defending champion Deepak Acharya (71). Two pros Deepak Neupane and Ram Thapa along with amateur Samundra Giri are joint fifth with scores of even-par 72. [break]
Another amateur Ramesh Adhikari is overall eighth and second among amateurs at 73, whereas Purna Sharma and Surya Sharma are tied for ninth with scores of two-over 74. Ramesh Nagarkoti and Rabi Khadka are joint 11th at three-over 75.
Dharan pro Mani Rai took a turn at three-under 33 and carded one-under 35 on the back nine to take the lead.
The newly turned pro Rupak had a score of one-under 35 on the front nine, while he sank an eagle on the par-5 12th hole to stay on course of the second successive title in the Surya Nepal Tour after winning the Central Open at the same course last month.
Krishna Hari shot two-under on the front nine but dropped a shot on the par-3 15th hole to finish the day at 69.
The cut will be applied after the second round (36 holes) with top 20 plus ties making it to the final two rounds along with top four amateur golfers.
A total of 35 golfers -- 25 pros and 10 amateurs -- are taking part in the event. The top three winners will receive Rs 72,000, Rs 41,000 and Rs 32,000 respectively.
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