Nepal No 1 and defending champion Shrestha shot five-over 78 on the final day for a total of nine-over 228 to register two-stroke victory over Ramesh Adhikari in the tournament played at the par-73 Himalayan Golf Course in Pokhara. Adhikari submitted a card of two-over 75 on the final day for a total of 11-over 230. [break]
With his 19th career title, Shrestha pocketed Rs 88,000. Adhikari received Rs 55,000.
Sanjay Lama finished third at 233, after the final round score of seven-over 80 and received Rs 40,700.
Shrestha was well challenged by Adhikari, who was one-shot ahead after the completion of front nine. Adhikari carded two-under 35 for the total of seven-over, while Shrestha played four-over 41 for eight-over.
On the back nine, Adhikari failed to keep the momentum and faltered four-over 40 while Shrestha played one-over 37.
Shrestha began the day with a bogey and dropped two more shots on the second hole before carding birdies on the fifth and sixth holes. He then suffered a bogey on the seventh and a double bogey on the eighth hole. On the back nine, he dropped shots on the 10th and 15th against a lone birdie on the 13th hole.
Adhikari, who shared the fifth position after the second day, made a perfect start with a birdie and added another on the third and sixth holes against a lone bogey on the fifth hole. On the back nine, Adhikari had a double bogey on the 12th hole and bogeys on the 13th, 17th and 18th holes against a lone birdie on the 15th hole.
However, the drama occurred on the last two holes, where Adhikari made two straight bogeys while Shrestha made a par from 10 feet to close a victory.
Rabi Khadka (76) came fourth at 15-over 234 and received Rs 34,100, while Umesh Nagarkoti, who shot 78, was fifth at 235 to earn Rs 29,700.
In Amateur section, Wangchen Dhondup registered an eight-stroke victory over Tashi Ghale. Dhondup carded five-over 78 for a total of 23-over 242, while Ghale climbed up to the second from the overnight position of ninth after playing a round of seven-over 80, with the total of 31-over 250. Bikash Bogati (88) came third at 253.
Overnight leader Ram Baniya, who faltered to 21-over 94 on Tuesday, was disqualified for signing in the wrong card.
Nepal Golf Association General Secretary Tashi Ghale and Kaski District Golf Association President Lachhim Prasad Gurung gave away the prizes to the winners.
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