Wednesday, 17 March 2021

America's Cup: Team NZ one just win away

    1. Sport

    Team New Zealand needs just one race win to retain the America's Cup, but standing in their way is a defiant Luna Rossa syndicate.

    Racing on Course A in Auckland's Waitemata Harbour is under way after race 10 was postponed until 4.45pm.

    On Tuesday, the Kiwis won race nine to put the score at 6-3 in the best-of-13 series.

    Team NZ's yacht Te Rehutai (left) and Luna Rossa in action on Waitemata Harbour. Photo: Reuters
    Team NZ's yacht Te Rehutai (left) and Luna Rossa in action on Waitemata Harbour. Photo: Reuters
    In what was a thrilling ninth race of the Cup match, Luna Rossa held a narrow lead through almost five legs of the six leg race on course C under the shadow of North Head, RNZ reports.

    Team New Zealand had rarely trailed by more than 100 metres however, and the defenders powered past in the fifth leg.

    With Team New Zealand anticipating the chance to lift the Auld Mug yesterday a wind change postponed race 10, handing the Italians a lifeline.

    Luna Rossa were beaten 5-0 the last time they faced the New Zealanders for the America's Cup in Auckland 21 years ago and have never won the event. 

    - RNZ and Reuters