Pavit marked his week with a closing round six-under-par 65 to force extra time with four others at the Asian Tour event at the Sabah Masters in Malaysia.

Confirming his plans to return to Queenstown for a third time, Pavit couldn’t speak highly enough about the New Zealand Open and his experience at the tournament.

“Queenstown is my favourite place on the tour to play. It’s the best location and I love the food, the weather and the people there.

“I always look forward to playing in the New Zealand Open,” said Pavit.

Joining Pavit in Queenstown will be fellow 2019 Asian Tour winners Taehee Lee, Miguel Carbello and John Catlin.

Korea’s Lee successfully retained the GS Caltex Maekyung Open trophy after prevailing on the third extra hole to complete a wire-to-wire victory and claim his first Asian Tour title in May.

In September Argentina’s Carballo overturned a six-shot deficit to win the Bank BRI Indonesia Open.

Catlin (USA) secured his fourth Asian Tour victory earlier this month with a spectacular play-off hole victory over both Pavit and India’s Shiv Kapur at the Thailand Open. He is equally delighted to be heading back to Queenstown.

“The New Zealand Open is such a great event and it’s in one of the most beautiful countries. I cannot wait to return in 2020.”

New Zealand Open Tournament Director Michael Glading is excited to have four of the best from the Asian Tour committed to play in Queenstown.

“It’s great to have the first of our Asian Tour players confirmed for 2020, all four have won on this year’s Tour which highlights the quality of players that we have lined up for 2020,” said Glading.

The New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport is co-sanctioned with the PGA Tour of Australasia and the Asian Tour and in partnership with the Japan Tour. It will be staged at Millbrook Resort and The Hills, near Queenstown between 27 February to 1 March 2020.