4.00pm - By JULIE ASH
Le Defi Areva have hung on for another day in the quarterfinals of the Louis Vuitton challenger series.
The French pulled off their first win in the quarter finals beating Sweden's Victory Challenge by 34s today.
Going into the fourth race in the best-of-seven series Victory Challenge were up 3-0 so it was do-or-die for the French.
With Magnus Holmberg at the helm, Victory Challenge led the French around the first four marks by margins of 18s, 17s, 24s and 31s but then Le Defi picked up a windshift and passed Victory Challenge rounding the last mark 17s ahead.
Their lead was extended further when the Swedes' kite got twisted as they rounded the final mark.
Crossing the line 34s ahead, Le Defi Areva's America's Cup campaign continues for another day at least.
In other results, Oracle BMW beat OneWorld by 33s and now advance straight through to the semifinals where they will meet Russell Coutts' Alinghi.
Prada withdrew from the quarterfinals last night handing Alinghi a 4-0 victory.
Oracle led OneWorld, who opted to rest skipper Peter Gilmour, around every mark with margins of 21s, 33s, 37s, 14s, and 44s before winning by 33s.
Team Dennis Conner scored their third win over GBR Challenge.
Team Dennis Conner powered over the start line some two boat lengths ahead of the Brits.
From there the Americans' lead was never threatened. They were ahead of the Brits around every mark by margins of 35s, 14s, 22s, 25s, 23s before winning by 34s.
In tomorrow's races GBR continue their series against Team Dennis Conner and Victory Challenge will be out to ensure the French win was a one-off.
The losers of those matches will be eliminated from the competition while the winners will race either Prada or OneWorld - the losers from the top four.
The quarterfinal repechages start next Saturday while Alinghi and Oracle now don't have to race again until the semifinals, beginning December 9.
nzherald.co.nz/americascup
Racing schedule, results and standings
Le Defi performance the highlight of 4th day of quarterfinals
AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.