The terms of the next America's Cup were again in the hands of a US court yesterday after lawyers for holders Alinghi and challenger BMW Oracle sparred over how, when and where the prestigious race should be held.

Lawyers for the two teams argued before a five-judge appeals panel at the New York State Supreme Court. A decision is expected within weeks.

At issue are a series of rulings by Judge Herman Cahn declaring BMW Oracle the challenger of record and saying the America's Cup should be held in March 2009 in Valencia, or another location chosen by Alinghi.

Alinghi appealed the rulings because it preferred a later race date, a separate challenger of record and restoring America's Cup tradition by allowing a larger of field of other challengers. BMW Oracle also filed an appeal, saying October 2008 was the appropriate date.

"All issues at stake could be reversed by this court," Alinghi's lead attorney Lucien Masmejan told Reuters outside the courthouse. He said the proposed duel between Alinghi and BMW Oracle would unfairly exclude 10 other teams.

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