Sapkota wins Himalayan Bank Cup
Kathmandu, March 16:
Sabin Sapkota registered an one-stroke victory over Deepak Neupane at the Himalayan Bank Cup Open Golf Tournament with a total of seven-over 295 here at Gokarna Forest Golf Resort and Spa today.
Sapkota, who had a three-stroke lead over Deepak Acharya after the third round, carded five-over 77 and earned Rs 51,000. Deepak Neupane had even-par 72 but was not enough to catch Sapkota, who went to top with a round of three-under 69 on Wednesday. Neupane finished with a total of eight-over 296 and received Rs 27,500, while Acharya and Deepak Thapa Magar came joint third at 11-over 299 and bagged Rs 15,500 each.
Chuda Bahadur Bhandari, who was second after the first round with 70, came overall fifth and was the best among amaterus at 13-over 301, followed by Surya Prasad Sharma at 18-over 306.
Ramesh Nagarkoti, who carded four-over 76 on Thursday, came fifth with 306, while Mani Rai finished sixth with 310 followed by Rajan Thapa at 312. Sachin Bhattarai and R S Thapa were joint eighth at 313, whereas Toran Shahi came 10th with a total of 315. Pashupati Sharma was 11th at 321, Bhimsen Karki and Ram Thapa joint 12th at 323.
Among amateurs, Ravi Khadka came third with 20-over 308, followed by Ram Krishna Shrestha (323) and Rajendra Phuyal (325).
In all, 27 golfers took part in the 72-hole tournament. Only 13 pros and five amateurs made the cut.
On Saturday, over 100 amateur golfers will take part in the one-day stableford 3/4 handicap tournament.