 Team NZ (right) had to hit back in the latter stages |
Team New Zealand beat holders Alinghi by 28 seconds to win the second race of the America's Cup and level the best-of-nine series at 1-1. The challengers took advantage of ideal race conditions off the coast of Valencia to establish an early lead.
With steady winds of around 10 knots and manageable waves, Team NZ lost momentum to slip 19 seconds behind.
But the Kiwis punished an Alinghi mistake on the third leg to overturn the Swiss boat's advantage late on.
Team NZ beat Italy's Luna Rossa 5-0 to win the Louis Vuitton Cup and earn the right to compete once again for the oldest trophy in sport.
The next race in the 32nd edition of the America's Cup is scheduled for Tuesday, 26 June, with further races on the 27, 29 and 30 June, plus 1, 3 and 4 July if required.
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