By A Staff Reporter

Kathmandu, Mar. 18: Bhuwan Nagarkoti maintained the lead after the third round of the Surya Nepal Central Open, the first event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2021, at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Wednesday. 

Bhuwan played a round of two-over 74 for the 54-hole total score of nine-under 207. He his five-stroke overnight lead cut down to two shots after Sukra carded one-under 71 for the total score of 209. 

The South Asian Games double gold medalist, Subash Tamang is third at five-under 211 after he played even-par 72 in the third round. Sanjay Lama is fourth at even-par 216 after he shot a 74. Amateur Vijay Shrestha Einhaus carded 73 for the fifth position at 217, while Rame Magar is next at 218 after he played 76. 

Rajendra Shrestha Pradhan and Rabi Khadka share the seventh position at 219 along with amateur Ajit BK. Rajendra scored three-over 75, Ajit and Rabi carded one-over 73 today. 

Amateur Tashi Tshiring is at top 10 after he carded three-over 75 for a total of five-over 221.  

Bhuwan scored even-par 36 on the front nine with birdies on first and third holes against bogeys on sixth and ninth holes. On the back nine, he carded bogey on 12th and 15th holes for two-over 38. 

Sukra made birdies on third and seventh hole against bogey on fifth hole for a one-under 35. on the back nine he suffered double-bogey on the 11th hole however he made a comeback with birdies on 14th and 15th holes for an even-par 36. 

Subash scored one-over 37 on the front nine with birdie on seventh hole against bogeys on fourth and sixth hole. On the back nine, he carded birdies on 12th and 18th holes against bogey on 10th hole for a one-under 35. 

A total of 44 professional golfers and 17 amateurs are taking part in the tournament. 21 pros and eight amateurs made the cut for the last two rounds. The event carries a cash purse of Rs 735,000. Winner of the event will be richer by Rs 130,000, the runner-up will earn Rs 80,000 and the third-place winner will get Rs 60,000. Others in the 21 places will also earn prize money.

The cut will be applied after the second round, top 21 professionals and ties along with six amateurs and those who make the professional cut will play the final 36 holes.