Kathmandu: Former top pro Sukra Bahadur Rai extended his lead to three strokes after the third round of Surya Nepal Challenge at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Thursday.

Sukra carded 5-under 63 on the third day for 54-hole total score of 11-under 193. He is three strokes ahead of Bhuvan Kumar Rokka after the penultimate round. Bhuwan also carded 5-under 63 to move up to second at 8-under 196.

Niraj Tamang produced the best card of the round scoring 6-under 62 and leapfrogged to third with a total score of 7-unde 197.

Dinesh Prajapati slipped to fourth at 5-under 199 after the played even-par 68 while Toran Bikram Shahi moved up to fifth at 3-under 201. Toran carded 4-under 64 in the third round.

Defending champion Rabi Khadka and Sanjay Lama are tied for sixth at 2-under 202. Rabi carded 3-under 65 and Sanjay shot 1-under 67.

Jayram Shrestha and Basanta Raj Gurung share the eighth place at 1-under 203. Jayram carded 3-under 65 and Basanta played 2-under 66 in the third round.

Ramesh Adhikari and Nepal No 1 pro Bhuvan Nagarkoti are tied for 10th place at 1-over 205. Ramesh carded 4-under 64, while Bhuvan played 2-under 66 in the third round.

In the amateur section, national team golfer Rahul Biswakarma extended his lead to three stroke over Nischaya Jung Rayamajhi. Rahul carded an even-par 68 in the third round for 1-over 205, while Nischaya played 2-over 70. Nischaya is second at 4-over 208.

The 72-hole tournament carries a cash purse of Rs 600,000. The winner will bag a cheque of Rs110,000 and the runner-up will take home Rs70,000.

The Pro-Am will be played on Saturday after the completion of the main event with the amateur golfers teaming up with professionals.