Organisers have stalled a final decision in the hope of an unrestrictive trans-Tasman bubble opening up but are racing towards their self-imposed “drop dead deadline” of November 1 with little certainty in sight.
He also becomes the first player to win the New Zealand Open twice since Greg Turner in 1997, and the first Australian to win twice since Bob Shearer in 1981.
Kiwi hopes rest on the shoulders of Michael Hendry and Harry Bateman, who both sit four shots off the lead, and Kieran Muir, who is a further shot adrift.