BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — INEOS Britannia advanced to the final of the America’s Cup playoffs on Wednesday, while NYYC American Magic took advantage of a mid-race failure on the boat of Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli to keep alive its hopes of pulling off an unexpected comeback in the semifinals.
The Americans won both races to cut Luna Rossa’s lead to 4-3 in the first-to-five playoff series. American Magic had been on the verge of elimination after going down 4-0, and now it can advance with a pair of victories on Thursday.
The Americans won the final race of the day on Wednesday after a problem on Luna Rossa’s boat took it out of contention. The Italian boat had to start cruising immediately after a loud pop was heard.
Switzerland’s Alinghi Red Bull Racing — which also trailed 4-0 — earlier Wednesday cut its deficit against INEOS Britannia to 4-2 by winning its first race, but the British triumphed in the second race to qualify for the Louis Vuitton Cup final that will begin on Sept. 26.
The winner will challenge defending champion Team Emirates New Zealand in the America’s Cup final next month.
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