KATHMANDU, Sept 15: Sukra Bahadur Rai of Nepal claimed title of the Faldo Series Nepal Championship on Thursday at the par-72 Gokarna Golf Club.

Overnight leader Sukra, who competed in 17 to 21 years age category, left behind all other competitors and registered a 15-stroke win over his closest rival Tenzing Tsering, the winner of boys 12 to 16 years age group. 

Sukra on Tuesday carded even-par 72 to finish the three day event with one-under 215. Yubaraj Bhujel, who featured in the same category of Sukra, stood second with 16-over 232 after he wrapped up the final day with seven-over 79. Tejendra Thapa Magar finished third among six contenders in the age category with a total score of 235. He carded seven-over 79.

Sukra earned birdie in the third hole and dropped a shot in the fifth hole in the front nine for even-par 36. In the back nine, he bogeyed in the 11th hole but made amendments in the very next hole with a birdie to finish with even-par score. 

In the girls open event of 12 to 21 years age category, Sifat Kaur Alag of India secured top finish with a total of 20-over 236. Saifat, who carded seven-over 77 on Wednesday, left behind her closest rival Pratima Sherpa by a huge margin. Pratima scored 14-over 86 on Thursday for a total score of 236. 

The winner of each category -- Sukra, Tenzing and Sifal booked ticket for the Asia’s grand finale of the 11th Faldo Series to be hosted by Faldo at Laguna Lng Co in Danang, Vietnam in March 2017.

The event organized by Nepal Golf Association and Gokarna Forest Resort is a 54 holes tournament. Supported by The R&A and endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Confederation, the 2016-17 Faldo Series Asia campaign stretches over 11 months.

 
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