Niraj Tamang took the lead after the first round of Surya Nepal Eastern Open at the par-70 Dharan Golf Club in Sunsari on Monday.

Tamang played a card of three-under 67 in the first round to take three stroke lead over Surya Prasad Sharma, who wrapped up the day at even-par 70. Tanka Bahadur Karki and Sukra Bahadur Rai are joint third at one-over 70.

Four pros — Nepal No 1 Bhuwan Nagarkoti, Dhana Bahadur Thapa, Rabi Khadka and Sanjay Lama — share the fifth position at three-over 73 while Bhuwan Kumar Rokka is ninth at 74.

Six pros — Bhimsen Chaulagain, Shivaram Poudel, Bal Bhadra Rai, Sabin Sapkota, Dinesh Prajapati and Rame Magar — are tied jointly on the 10th position at five-over 75 along with amateur golfers Yubraj Bhujel, Jitendra Rai and Sadbhav Acharya.

A total of 48 golfers including 30 pros and 18 amateurs are taking part in the 54-hole competition organised by Nepal PGA under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd.

Cut will be applied after the second round with top 21 pros and at least six amateurs making it to the final round. The event carries a total cash prize of Rs775,000.