1 May 2007

China score first win of America's Cup

10:34 am on 1 May 2007

China have scored their first win of the Challenger series of the America's Cup, beating top team BMW Oracle in second round action.

The American outfit ,skippered by New Zealander Chris Dickson, lost its headsail on the first upwind leg and had to use a genoa instead however the defecit was too great.

In excellent conditions of breezes up to 15 knots, there was further upsets with Areva of France beat both Italian teams Mascalzone Latino and plus 39.

Team New Zealand won their only match, benefitting from a wind shift before going on to beat Mascalzone Latino by 25 seconds.

Oracle and Luna Rosa lead with 23 points, while Team New Zealand have 20.