Pokhara, March 9

Dhana Bahadur Thapa stunned defending champion Shivaram Shrestha in the second extra hole of playoff to claim the 18th Surya Nepal Western Open here at the Himalayan Golf Course today.

The match was decided in playoff as Tribhuvan Army Officers Golf Club pro Thapa and top pro Shrestha were tied at six-over 216 after 54 holes. Thapa shot one-over 71, while Shrestha carded even-par 70 in the final round.

After both the pros saved pars on the first extra hole, Thapa finished it off with a tap-in par putt after Shrestha missed it from five feet.

With the victory, Thapa claimed his third career title. He had won the Surya Nepal Challenge in 2011 and Surya Nepal Western Open in 2015. Thapa received a cheque of Rs 115,000, while Shrestha pocketed Rs 74,000.

Thapa was relieved with the first victory in three years and said his hard work paid off. “I am happy as I could lift the trophy,” added the Nepali Army Sergeant. “I just stuck with my plan and did not attack throughout as I knew I was playing against the best player,” added Thapa. “Birdies on 16th and 17th holes changed the complexion of the match as Shivaram hit Out of Bounds on the penultimate hole.”

Thapa shot two-over 37 on the front nine and carded one-under 34 on the latter half. He faced bogeys on the seventh and 15th holes and suffered a double-bogey on the ninth hole against birdies on the fifth, 16th and 17th holes.

Shivaram lost it on his own as he squandered a three-stroke lead. He shot even-par 35 on either half. He  faced bogeys on the sixth, 14th and 17th holes against a birdie on the third and an eagle on the 10th.

Bhuwan Nagarkoti came third at nine-over 219 after he shot three-over 73. Overnight leader Jayaram Shrestha had a forgettable day as he faltered to 12-over 82 and shared the fourth positiom with local pro Bhu Bahadur Gurung (77) at 13-over 223. Nagarkoti earned Rs 53,000, while Shrestha and Gurung received Rs 39,500 each.

Rabi Khadka and Bhuwan Kumar Rokka shared the sixth position at 224, while Surya Prasad Sharma and veteran Deepak Magar — who produced the best card of the tournament with two-under 68 in the third round — were tied on eighth at 225. Rame Magar finished 10th at 227.

In amateur section, Ajit BK claimed his first career title of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour. He shot nine-over 79 for 14-over 224 total.

Suresh Tamang came second on count back after he was tied with Niraj Tamang at 233.

A total 43 players, 26 pros and 17 amateur golfers, took part in the seventh event of Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2017-18. Brand Manager of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd Keshav Pradhan, Nepal Golf Association President Tashi Ghale and Himalayan Golf Course Director Kiran KC handed over the prizes to the winners.

The tournament will end on Saturday with a Pro-Am event.