Local pro Sukra Bahadur Rai took one stroke lead in the penultimate round of the Surya Nepal Eastern Open Golf Tournament at Dharan Golf Club on Tuesday.

Rai played a card of three-under 67 for a second day total of two-under 138 to take a one-stroke lead over Rabi Khadka. Khadka carded four-under 66 for a total of one-under 139.

Overnight leader Niraj Tamang slipped to third place after carding four-over 74 for a total of one-over 141. Another local pro, Bal Bhadra Rai played three-under 67 for a total of two-over 142 and was tied with Dhana Bahadur Thapa at fourth place who played one-under 69.

Surya Prasad Sharma carded four-over 74 for the total score of four-over 144. Amateur Subash Tamang, Sabin Sapkota, and Sanjay Lama are joint seventh with the total score of six-over 146. Amateurs Yubaraj Bhujel (72) and Jitendra Rai (72) and Tanka Bahadur Karki (76) are at seven-over 147.

Bhuwan Kumar Rokka (75) and Bhuwan Nagarkoti (76) are at nine-over 149. Amateurs Sadbhav Acharya (75) and Jiwan Rai (74) are at 10-over 150.

Among 48 golfers, 22 professional and six amateurs survived the cut at 15-over 155.