Rabi Khadka took a one-stroke lead over Dinesh Prajapati at the end of the first day of the Surya Nepal Challenge, the sixth event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2022-23, at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Tuesday.

Khadka carded five-under 63 on his home course and is one stroke ahead of Dinesh Prajapati, who carded a bogey-free four-under 68.

Bhuvan Nagarkoti and Deepak Magar are joint third at two-under 66. Bhuwan Kumar Rokka and amateurs Subash Tamang and Suresh Tamang share the fifth position at one-under 68.

Rame Mager is eighth with the score of even-par 68. Pros Dhana Bahadur Thapa, Shiva Ram Poudel and amateurs Sadbhav Acharya and Yubraj Bhujel are tied at ninth position at one-over 69.

Leader Khadka played three-under 31 on the front nine and carded two-under 32 on the back nine. He made a flying start with a birdie on the first hole and sank an eagle on the par-5 fourth hole before taking the turn. On the back nine, Khadka carded three birdies on the 10th, 17th and 18th holes and faced the lone bogey of the day on the 16th hole.

Prajapati carded two-under 32 on both halves. He carded birdies on the fourth and fifth holes on the front nine. Prajapati then carded birdies on the 10th and 13th holes on the back nine.

Nagarkoti carded one-under 33 on both halves. After facing a bogey on the third hole, Nagarkoti carded birdies on the fourth and eighth holes. After taking the turn, he carded birdies on the 10th and 13th holes but faced a bogey on the 17th hole.

Magar played one-under 31 on both halves. His bogey-free front nine included a birdie on the second hole. Magar then carded birdies on the 12th and 13th holes and dropped a shot on the 15th hole.

A total of 37 golfers—29 pros and eight amateurs—are taking part in the tournament organised by Professional Golfers Association Nepal under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd.

Cut will be applied after the second round. Top 21 pros and ties (if any) will make the cut along with six amateurs and those who make the professional cut.

The event carries a cash purse of Rs545,000. Top three pros will receive Rs100,000, Rs65,000 and Rs46,000, respectively.