Amateur golfer Shiva Kumar Majhi maintained his fine form to take a surprise second round lead in the Surya Nepal Eastern Open at the par-70 Nirvana Country Club course in Dharan on Thursday.

Majhi, a local golfer, shot a second straight two-under 69 to open up a two-stroke lead over Nepal No 1 Shivaram Shrestha. Shrestha carded one-under 69 for a total score of two-under 138. Bhuwan Nagarkoti climbed to third after shooting an even-par 70 for a total card of one-under 139.

The opening round leader, who carded three-under 67 on Wednesday, dropped to fourth after a poor round of three-over 73. One stroke further down was Bal Bhadra Rai, who carded three-over 73 for a total of one-over 141. Tham Bahadur Rai, Dhana Thapa and Purna Sharma were tied for sixth at two-over 142. While, Rai and Thapa shot two-over 72, Sharma carded one-over 71 on Thursday.

Sukra Bahadur Rai carded four-over 74 for a total of three-over 143, seven-stroke behind the leader and fellow amateur golfer Majhi. Sunder Rai is third among the amateurs going into the third and final round after shooting a nine-over 149 total. Rai carded five over-75 on Thursday.

Majhi carded three-under 32 in the front nine that included four birdies against a lone bogey. His back nine card of one-over 36 included two bogeys and a bogey. The top-ranked Nepali pro Shivaram shot two-under 33 in the first nine holes, sinking four birdies and a double bogey. In the last nine holes, Shivaram earned a shot, on hole No 14, but dropped two strokes on 10th and 15th.

Nagarkoti shot one-over 36 in the first nine and one-under 34 in the second nine holes. He sank five birdies and as many bogeys for his even-par score in the second round. Overnight leader Lama never recovered from a triple bogey start to the day, completing his front nine at three-over 38 and back nine holes at even-par 35.

Twenty eight golfers including six amateurs survived the cut for the final round. In all, 50 golfers— 27 pros and 23 amateurs—took part in the first two rounds of the event organised by Nepal Professional Golfers Association. Top three pros will earn Rs 100,000, Rs 63,000 and Rs 45,000.