Ziwang Gurung of Bhutan won the first Faldo Series Nepal Championship by two shots at Gokarna Forest Resort in Kathmandu. The 20-year-old qualifies for his second Asia Grand Final in China and will be joined by two golfers from Nepal. “It has been an amazing journey since leaving my country for the first time only four years ago to play in a Faldo Series tournament,” said an emotional Gurung. “The opportunity to go to another Grand Final and spend more time with Sir Nick inspired me so much that I practiced for two extra hours in the dark last night.”

Gurung fired a tournament-low 73 in the final round to finish on five over par after 36 holes and beat his compatriot Dechen Ugyen by two shots. Another Bhutanese player Karma Dorji Khorko, 16, topped the Boys’ Under-16 category and will join Gurung at Mission Hills Golf Club in China for the seventh Asia Grand Final next March.

As the leading Nepalese player on eight over par, third-placed Sunil K.C., 21, was rewarded with a wild-card invitation to the Asia Grand Final in Shenzhen and a set of golf clubs donated by The R&A. 15-year-old Sangya Ongdi Lama will also represent Nepal at the World Amateur Golf Ranking event in March 2013 after winning the Girls’ division by nine shots.

Established in 1996, 38 Faldo Series tournaments now take place in 28 countries worldwide with more than 7,000 golfers participating each year. Past winners include Major Champions Rory McIlroy and Yani Tseng.

The 2012/2013 Faldo Series Asia schedule features a record 18 tournaments in 15 countries, including four in mainland China and others in The Philippines, Chinese Taipei, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Pakistan, Japan, Indonesia and Thailand.

The Faldo Series Asia is supported by major partners ISPS, Mission Hills and The R&A, official golf wear partner UFL and official suppliers TaylorMade and Tricor. It is endorsed by the Asian Tour and the Asia Pacific Golf Federation.

Leading final scores: Boys’ Under-21: 149 – Ziwang Gurung (BTN) 76-73; 151 – Dechen Ugyen (BTN) 77-74; 152 – Sunil K.C. (NEP) 78-74. Boys’ Under-16: 156 – Karma Dorji Khorko (BTN) 79-77; 167 – Arun Tamang (NEP) 81-86; 176 – Suryansh Chaudhary (NEP) 85-91. Girls’ Under-21: 175 – Sangya Ongdi Lama (NEP) 93-82; 184 – Aditi Ghimire (NEP) 96-88; Sonam Ongdi Lama (NEP) 96-93.

Source :nickfaldo.com