Team New Zealand took the third Louis Vuitton Cup semi-final spot

The Kiwis won by three minutes two seconds to join USA's BMW Oracle and Italy's Luna Rossa in the last four.

Spain's Desafio Espanol moved to within a win of clinching the last spot in the 14-24 May semi-finals by beating United Internet Team Germany.

BMW Oracle lead the America's Cup challenger series from TNZ.

The Americans beat Italy's +39 Challenge in flight eight of the second round robin to edge to 33 points, with the Kiwis moving one point above Luna Rossa, who had a bye, into second place on 32 points.

"It is nice to be alone at the top of the leaderboard," said BMW Oracle tactician Gavin Brady. "It means our destiny is in our own hands, which is where we wanted it to be."

Desafio Espanol stayed five ahead of fifth-place Victory Challenge of Sweden with three matches to sail, while the Swedes won their duel against France's Areva Challenge by 35 seconds.

The Spanish triumph eliminated Mascalzone Latino, who saw their America's Cup hopes end after Shosholoza of South Africa came from behind to win on the finish line.

The Louis Vuitton Cup will decide which of the 11 challengers will sail against America's Cup holders Alinghi in the finals from 23 June-4 July.

Round Robin second stage. Flight Eight
Desafio Espanol (Spa) bt United Internet Team Germany (Ger) 1:08
Team Shosholoza (SA) bt Mascalzone Latino (Ita) 6 sec
Emirates Team New Zealand (NZ) bt China Team (Chi) 3:02
Victory Challenge (Swe) bt Areva Challenge (Fra) 35 sec
BMW Oracle Racing (USA) bt +39 Challenge (Ita) 53 sec
Bye: Luna Rossa (Ita)