Kathmandu: Former top pro Sukra Bahadur Rai remained atop the leaderboard after the second round of Surya Nepal Challenge at the par-68 Royal Nepal Golf Club on Wednesday.

Sukra played 1-over 69 on the second day for a 36-hole total score of 6-under 130. He is one stroke ahead of Dinesh Prajapati, who carded 1-under 67 for a total score of 5-under 131. Rame Magar and overnight co-leader Bhuwan Kumar Rokka share third position at 3-under 133. Rame moved up after he carded 1-under 67, while Bhuwan shot 4-over 72 to slip down.

Three pros Sanjay Lama, Niraj Tamang and Pradip Kumar Lama are tied for fifth at 1-under 135. Sanjay produced the best card of the round at 2-under 66, while Niraj and Pradip played even-par 68. Toran Shahi, Basanta Raj Gurung and defending champion Rabi Khadka share eighth place at 1-over 137. Toran carded 1-under 67, Basanta played even-par 68 and Rabi shot 2-over 70.

The cut fell at 9-over 145 and 23 pros made it to the final two rounds along with two amateur golfers. Jayram Shrestha, Bhuvan Nagarkoti, Ram Krishna Shrestha, Rajendra Shrestha Pradhan, Ramesh Adhikari, Deepak Magar, Dhana Bahadur Thapa, Sunil KC, Tanka Bahadur Karki, Kishan Kaliraj Sunar, Shivram Poudel, Rajen Rai and Suman Pariyar survived the cut.

Leader Sukra took the turn at even-par 34 and he played 1-over 35 on the back nine. Dinesh took the turn at even-par 34 before carding 1-under 33 on the back nine.

In the amateur section, national team member Rahul Bishwakarma maintained his lead. He played 1-over 69 for 36-hole total of 1-over 137 and is one stroke ahead of Nischal Jung Rayamajhi. Nischaya carded second straight 1-over 69 for a 36-hole total score of 2-over 138.

The tournament carries a cash purse of Rs 600,000. The winner will bag a cheque of Rs110,000, runner-up will take home Rs70,000 and third place finisher will earn Rs50,000.  Other pros in the top 21 will also receive their share of cash prizes.