Dharan, December 22

The Surya Nepal Eastern Open, third event under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2015-15 season, is beginning here at the Nirvana Country Club on Wednesday.

A total of 27 pros including four local golfers and 23 amateurs will vie for the trophy over the next three days in the 54-hole competition, informed Nepal PGA. The event carries a purse of Rs 540,000, with top three pros receiving Rs 100,000, Rs 63,000 and Rs 45,000 respectively. Cut will be applied after 36 holes and top 21 pros and amateurs will make it to the final round. Pros making the cut will get their share of cash prizes.

Sabin Sapkota, who is also the teaching pro in Germany, will lead the local challenge, while defending champion and money leader Sanjay Lama, top pro Shivaram Shrestha, Rabi Khadka and Bhuwan Nagarkoti are among the favourites. The tournament will conclude with Pro-Am event on Saturday.