Sukra defends Central Open title

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Mar. 18: Nepal No 1 pro-Sukra Bahadur Rai defended the title of the Surya Nepal Central Open, the fifth event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2022-23, at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club on Friday.

Sukra carded two-under 70 in the final round for the 72-hole total of 23-under 265, which equalled the record set by India’s Shamim Khan in the 2008 Surya Nepal Masters. Sukra also set the new course record of 11-under 61 in the second round of the tournament.

Sukra recorded a four-stroke victory over Bhuvan Nagarkoti, who carded four-under 68 in the final round for a total score of 19-under 269. Along with the 11th career title, Sukra received Rs 140,000, while Bhuvan earned Rs 90,000.

Amateur golfer Sadbhav Acharya finished third overall with a score of 15-under 273 and won the maiden career title with a one-stroke victory over Nepal No 1 amateur Subash Tamang. Subash carded seven-under 65 in the final round for a total score of 14-under 274.

Niraj Tamang came third among pros and fifth overall with a score of two-over 290. He played two-over 74 in the final round and he received 

Rs 67,000. Jayram Shrestha faltered to nine-over 81 and he finished fourth among pros with a total score of five-over 293. He earned Rs 55,000. Tanka Bahadur Karki (76) came fifth among pros at 294 and he received Rs 47,000.

Rame Magar played one-over 73 to finish sixth at 295 and he got Rs 40,500, while Shivaram Poudel was seventh at 296 after he faltered to 81 and he received Rs 37,000. Sanjay Lama (82), Bal Bhadra Rai (77) and Rabi Khadka (71) shared the eighth place at 10-over 298 and they earned Rs 32,000 each.