Local pro Sukra Bahadur Rai claimed the Surya Nepal Eastern Open Golf Tournament at the par-70 Dharan Golf Club in Sunsari on Wednesday.

Rai carded one-over 71 in the final rounds played under a downpour and chilly conditions in the second event under Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2021-2022. He finished with a total score of one-under 209 to pull off a comfortable five-stroke victory over amateur Subash Tamang.

The 13th South Asian Games double gold medalist Tamang played a card of two-under 68 for a total score of four-over 214 to lift the amateur trophy.

As the champion, Rai received a purse of Rs135,000 while Tamang was not eligible for a cash prize due to his amateur status.

Fellow local pro Mani Rai finished second among the pros and walked away with Rs88,000. He carded five-over 75 for a total score of seven-over 217. Another local pro Niraj Tamang scored a total of nine-over 219 after a card of eight-over 78. He pocketed Rs65,000.

Sanjay Lama played four-over 74 and wrapped up with a total score of 10-over 220 to finish fourth and earn Rs53,500. Sabin Sapkota (five-over 75) and Rabi Khadka (12-over 82) shared fifth position at the total score of 11-over 221 and walked away with Rs42,500 each.

Yubaraj Bhujel came second among the amateurs. He finished with the total score of 13-over 223 and Sadbhav Acharya finished third at 17-over 227.

Jayaram Shrestha played two-under 68 in the final round for a total of 13-over 223 to earn Rs36,000. Tanka Bahadur Karki, Bhuwan Nagarkoti, Bhuwan Kumar Rokka and Dinesh Prajapati finished joint eighth at 14-over 224 and won Rs30,000 each.

Altogether 48 golfers, including 30 pros and 18 amateurs, participated in the 54-hole tournament organised by Nepal PGA. The event that was sponsored by Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd carried a cash prize of Rs775,000 with top 21 pros receiving shares in the cash prizes.

Dharan Sub-Metropolitan City Mayor Tilak Rai and Assistant Brand Manager of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd Navin Saroj, among others, distributed prizes to the winners.