KATHMANDU: Nepal built a lead of 2.5 points after the first round of the Gaekwad invitational Golf tournament here at the Gokarna Golf Club today.

Played under the four-ball-better-ball match play format, Nepal accumulated 18.5 points — eight wins and one halved in Main Matches and three wins in Bye Matches. India earned 16 points — six wins and one halved in Main and six wins in Bye Matches. A total of 60 golfers — 30 each from Nepal and India are taking part in the two-day event.

UK Dayanand and Peter Morris of India was the best winning pair after their 6/5 win over Nepal’s Brig Gen Gunja Man Lama and Lt Gen Victory Rana. On the first day, Atul Lal of India won the straightest drive award, while PK Shrestha of Nepal bagged the Longest Drive and RR Pandey got the closest to the pin award.

After the completion of the nine holes, Eu Hazur Thapa remained on top with 18 points, ahead of P Yakthumba, who scored 11 points, and Rita Thapa, who scored eight points, in the ladies section competition.

Myanmar Ambassador to Nepal U Thet Oo and German Ambassador to Nepal Verena Grafin von Roedern earned 25 points each to share the lead in the Diplomatic category. South Korean Ambassador to Nepal Sung Mog Hung is third with 20 points. Also, KB Shah led the Guest category with 28 points followed by BR Pandey (26) and Vinode SJB Rana (25).