Kathmandu, December 17:

Deepak Neupane carded one under 66 to take the first-day lead at the second CMS Cup Golf Tournament here at the Royal Nepal Golf Club (RNGC) today.

Pashupati Sharma was one stroke behind at even par 67, while four players shared the third place with two over par 69. Defending champion Deepak Thapa Magar, Purna Sharma, Ram Thapa and Ravi Khadka finished the first day at 69.

Surya Prasad Sharma had three over 70 for the seventh place, while Mani Rai was eighth with four over 71. Ramesh Nagarkoti and Shiva Ram Shrestha, who qualified for the Indian professional tour this season, completed the top 10 with seven over 74 each. Tashi Ghale led the amateurs’ section with seven over 74, one stroke ahead of Rupak Acharya. Meghraj Baral was third with 76.

A total of 22 professional golfers and 23 single-handicap amateurs including six caddies are taking part in the tournament, which has been organised by College of medical Science, Bharatpur, under the sponsorship of International Society of Medical Education (ISME) Pvt Ltd.

Earlier, Managing Director of ISME Pvt Ltd Nagender K Pampati inaugurated the tournament. Of the total prize money of Rs 300,000, the winner will receive Rs 65,000. The amateur section tournament will be held on December 21 and 22 at the RNGC after the completion of the pro event. The amateur section winners will receive trophies and awards in 18 categories.