Kathmandu, December 10:

Shiva Ram Shrestha set the new course record of eight-under 64 on the second day of the Ghana Shyam’s Golden Jubilee of Golf Open Championship here at the Tribhuvan Army Officer’s Golf Club today.

The winner of the first three events under the Surya Nepal Golf Tour 2008, Shiva Ram took a five-stroke lead over Deepak Thapa Magar going into the final round.

Shiva Ram, who was fifth after the first day at one-over 73, carded eight-under to surge into the lead. Except for the par-3 eighth, Shiva Ram fared well on all the other 17 holes. His front nine score of two-under included birdies on the third, sixth, seventh holes. On the back nine, he sank two eagles at the par-5 12th and par-5 18th along with two birdies in the round of six-under 30. “The day was fantastic as all went as per plans,” said Shiva Ram. Shiva Ram was happy to have set the course record.

Deepak Thapa Magar carded two-under 70 to hold the second position. He had a round of even-par 36 on the front nine that included a birdie and a bogey. On the back nine, he had four birdies against two bogeys.

Ramesh Nagarkoti and Rabi Khadka shared the third position at 143. Nagarkoti, who played two under 70 on the first day, carded one-over 73 today, while Rabi Khadka shot one-under 71 on the second day.

Overnight leader Sanjay Lama, who set the course record at four-under 68 in the first round, had a disastrous day with a card of nine-over 81 for a total of 149. Bishnu Neupane was next at 151 after a round of three-over 75.

Gokarna pro Pashupati Sharma and teaching pro in Germany Sabin Sapkota shared the seventh position at 152. Sharma carded another 76 today while Sapkota played a round of two-under 70.

The Surya Nepal Western Open winner Mani Rai and Deepak Neupane were joint ninth at 153. Rai, who was joint 14th after a round of eight-over on Tuesday, carded one-over today, while Neupane had a round of seven-over 79.

Radhe Shyam Thapa (155), Ram Thapa (155), Krishna Hari Mizar (157), Jaya Ram Shrestha (157) and Rajendra Phuyal (158) completed the top 15 pros, who made cut for the final round.

In amateur section, Dhana Thapa surged into the lead with the score of 152. Thapa maintained his score of 76 on the second round after overnight leader Rupak Acharya dropped into second position at 155. Two strokes adrift at third was Bhuwan Pudasaini.

Tashi Tsering (158), Maj NJ Rayamajhi (165) and Puskar Rajbahak (166) also made the cut. Top amateur Tashi Ghale missed the cut by three strokes, while the Surya Nepal Western Open winner Prasanna Upreti also could not make it to the final round after the rounds of 92 and 84.