America’s Cup: a close race between New Zealand and Italy
The Copa America duel between defending champions New Zealand and Italy is still a tight match. It’s currently 3: 3, seven wins necessary for victory.
New Zealanders around Peter Burling (right) vie with Luna Rossa.
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In the 36th American Cup match, the championship gliders and defending hosts New Zealand and Italy remain exciting even after the third day. Each team won a race on Saturday ahead of Auckland, so it is now 3: 3. Seven wins are necessary to win the oldest and most important trophy in sailing.
Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli from Italy initially won the first race of the day in asymmetric winds with an 18-second advantage. In the sixth race, New Zealand captain Peter Burling and his crew aboard the Tea Riotai turned the tide and outpaced the rivals by 1:41 minutes. “That was a good end to another hard day,” said Blair Tuck, New Zealand’s 49th Olympic champion.
Tens of thousands of fans and a record fleet of 1,600 spectator boats provided the Port Regatta and Hauraki Golf Racecourse a stunning backdrop at the start of the weekend. The Trophy duel will continue on Sunday (4.15 AM CET / Servos TV) with the seventh and eighth races.
Also read the preview:
Paragliding: Italy vs New Zealand in the Copa America