Desafio seal last semi-final slot despite losing

Desafio Espanol failed to win their race but got into the Louis Vuitton Cup semi-finals through the back door after rivals Victory Challenge lost yesterday.

The Spanish boat faced a tough task against leaders BMW Oracle, although they had beaten them in the first set of round robins.

Once the swift American team got their noses in front on the first leg, Desafio were always up against it. They were 55 seconds adrift at the finishing line, but were assured of fourth place because Victory Challenge were beaten by in-form Emirates Team New Zealand.

The Swedish team, who had never beaten the Kiwis, got off to a good start and led at the first mark by 10 seconds. But they were overhauled on the second leg and trailed by 34 seconds by the end, as a jubilant home crowd cheered their opponents home.

With only one set of races left, Desafio are unreachable on 29 points, three ahead of fifth-placed Victory Challenge.

They joined the leading trio of BMW Oracle (37), Team New Zealand (36) and Luna Rossa (33), who have already qualified.

The highlight of the final day's racing will be the showdown between Oracle and Team New Zealand for first place. The Kiwis are unbeaten in the second set of round robins.

The winners of the LV Cup earn the right to race holders Alinghi for the America's Cup in June.