New Zealand, Luna Rossa on brink of final

Emirates Team New Zealand and Italian syndicate Luna Rossa were close to claiming their places in the final of the Louis Vuitton Cup yesterday after authoritative victories in their respective races.

The New Zealanders notched up another emphatic win over Desafio Espanol to take a 4-1 lead in the best-of-nine series, while Luna Rossa saw off BMW Oracle Racing to enjoy the same advantage over the Americans.

Both boats could wrap up their places in the LV Cup final if they win their races today.

The final is scheduled to begin on June 1 with the winners earning the right to challenge Swiss defenders Alinghi in the America's Cup on June 23.

Luna Rossa unnerved BMW Oracle in the dial-up for their head-to-head. Oracle came unstuck when they were given a double penalty after skipper Chris Dickson got driven into "coffin corner" close to the committee boat and clipped the Italians on the start line.

With Oracle having to fulfil one of their penalties immediately, Luna Rossa opened up a handsome lead and although the Americans fought back hard they still trailed the Italians by almost two minutes ahead at the finish.