America's Cup: Team NZ move within two wins of victory

New Zealand

Team New Zealand took a 7-1 advantage in the America's Cup after a thrilling win in race 10.

Oracle Team USA, who were docked two points for illegal modifications, got their first point on the board with an impressive win in Sunday's first race.

But New Zealand responded with victory in a closely fought 10th race to check the holders' momentum.

The Kiwis are now within two wins of winning the cup and could seal victory on Tuesday as Monday is a rest day.

After winning the only race on Saturday, Oracle secured successive victories for the first time in race nine, beating New Zealand by 47 seconds after a superb start in San Francisco.

Race nine was delayed by a high wind speed but Team New Zealand took a significant lead at the first gate.

Although the defending champions responded on the third leg to move ahead, an error on the fourth leg allowed Team New Zealand to take control once again and they finished 17 seconds clear.

"It wasn't the prettiest start, but we just managed to muscle it out of reach," said New Zealand skipper Dean Barker.

The winners of the 162-year-old America's Cup get to decide the format and venue for the next event.

America's Cup schedule

(Times BST)

Mon, 16 Sept: Rest day

Tue, 17 Sept: Race 12 (21:15), Race 13 (22:15)

Wed, 18 Sept: *Race 13 (21:15), *Race 14 (22:15)

Thu, 19 Sept: *Race 15 (21:15), *Race 16 (22:15)

Fri, 20 Sept: Reserve Day

Sat, 21 Sept: *Race 17 (21:15)

Sun, 22 Sept: *Reserve Day

Mon, 23 Sept: *Reserve Day

*If needed

BBC coverage times

Highlights (all BST)

Mon, 16 Sept - 13:30-14:15 (BBC Two), 14:15-15:00 (Red Button)

Wed, 18 Sept - 11:15-12:00 (BBC Two), 12:00-12:45 (Red Button)

Fri, 20 Sept - 13:30-14:15 (BBC Two), 14:15-15:00 (Red Button)

Sun, 22 Sept - 14:05-14:50 (BBC Two), 16:40-18:10 (Red Button)