Challenge for America’s Cup
BMW Oracle Racing defeated Emirates Team New Zealand by 35 seconds Saturday at Valencia, Spain, to finish atop the round-robin standings of the Louis Vuitton Cup series, which will determine the challenger for defending champion Alinghi in America’s Cup racing.
Highlights: The Americans, who earlier in the day lost for the first time in the challengers’ series, finished with 21 points, three more than the third-place Kiwis. Italian syndicate Luna Rossa finished second with 19 points after victories over Mascalzone Latino of Italy and Desafio Espanol on the southern “Juliet” course.
* Lowlights: In the 10th flight, Desafio Espanol beat BMW by a minute to hand the Americans their first defeat after eight consecutive victories in the challengers’ series.
* What’s next: The second round-robin stage will begin today and must finish by May 9. The top four advance to the Louis Vuitton Cup semifinals, from May 14 to 24. The winner will sail against Alinghi in the America’s Cup finals from June 23 to July 4.
* Quote of the day: “It was a tough day. It was a tricky day. But we came out with an important win and a relatively important loss also.” BMW Oracle Racing skipper Chris Dickson.
*--* STANDINGS Boat Pts 1. BMW Oracle Racing 21 2. Luna Rossa 19 3. Emirates Team New Zealand 18 4. Desafio Espanol 17 T5. Mascalzone Latino, Victory Challenge 14
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Source: Times Wire Reports