Team New Zealand has chosen to face BAR Great Britain in the semi finals of the America's Cup challenger series after a disappointing day on the water.
Emirates Team New Zealand crosses the finish line 27 seconds after Oracle Team USA in their final race of the America's Cup qualifiers. Photo: RNZ / Todd Niall
Because Team New Zealand was the best placed challenger in the round robin, they had the right to choose their opponent in the semi finals - opting for Great Britain who they've beaten twice already this week.
In the other semi final Sweden will face Japan.
The semi finals start tomorrow.
Earlier today Team USA skipper Jimmy Spithill claimed both a psychological edge and an all important bonus point heading into the Cup finale after beating Team New Zealand in a tense qualifying race in Bermuda.
See how the day's racing unfolded
The race on Saturday local time (shortly after 5am Sunday in NZ) was full of drama from the start as Team New Zealand tried to out-muscle Oracle.
Spithill turned the tides with his superior tactics however, forcing Team New Zealand into a penalty to put them behind early.
Oracle tried to squeeze Team New Zealand on the start line, and their effort to escape saw them penalised.
Team New Zealand tried desperately to fight their way back into the race and the boat appeared quick enough to keep pace with Team USA.
However, Team USA came out ahead in two other aggressive encounters and the New Zealanders were further penalised for sailing over the course boundary - mistakes the team has not made previously.
The defender takes a one bonus point into the America's Cup final. If they meet Team New Zealand there, they will be 1-0 up in the first-to-seven contest.
