Kathmandu, September 7

Sukra Bahadur Rai extended the lead to eight strokes after the second round of the Surya Nepal Golf Tour NPGA Qualifying School here at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club today.

Rai carded second straight even-par 68 to post the 36-hole total score of even-par 136. Rai carded two-under 32 on the front nine before playing two-over 36 on the latter half. Rai sank an eagle on the fourth hole before adding a birdie on the seventh after he had faced a bogey on the third hole. After taking the turn, Rai faced double bogeys on the 11th and 13th holes and a bogey on the 15th against birdies on 14th, 17th and 18th holes.

Tamang played one-over 35 on either half. He carded birdies on the fifth and eighth holes against a double bogey on the sixth before taking the turn.

Kamal Tamang shot two-over 70 to remain eight shots off the pace at eight-over 144. Three players Shiva Kumar Majhi (70), Tashi Ghale (71) and Tanka Bahadur Karki (74) shared the third position at 10-over 146.

Bipin Tamang shot seven-over 75 to remain at sixth position with the total score of 15-over 151, while Mikal Rai was next at 16-over 152 after he carded six-over 74. Sandip Tamang played a round of 11-over 79 for a total of 18-over 154. Top lady golfer Pratima Sherpa (79) and Sunil KC (72) were tied at 21-over 157.

In all, 22 players are taking part in the 54-hole tournament organised by Nepal PGA under the sponsorship of Surya Nepal Pvt Ltd. Top 15 players within the score of 30-over 166 after 36 holes will play in the final round. Top 5 players within 15-over total will earn pro cards.