Team New Zealand face Chris Dickson's BMW Oracle Racing tonight in their final race of act four of the America's Cup pre-regatta in Valencia.
The New Zealanders were scheduled to square off against defenders Alinghi and South Africa's Team Shosholoza overnight.
With Alinghi and Emirates Team New Zealand unbeaten going into last night's match, a win would push one of them into major contention for act four honours.
Team New Zealand went into the race on the back of a nerve-racking 24s win over Sweden's Victory Challenge and a rather comfortable 1m 58s win over China Team.
The Swedes, who impressed during the last cup, are locked in a battle with Spain's Desafio Espanol, Italy's +39 and France's K-Challenge to decide who will head the next group behind Alinghi, Team NZ, Team Luna Rossa and Oracle.
But it was the New Zealanders who aced the start on the Mediterranean, blowing out to a three-boat-length lead early on the first beat.
The Swedes battled back and remained within reach of NZL82 in the 10-12 knot southeasterly breeze.
NZL82 rounded the first mark 12s ahead and the second mark 23s ahead.
The second beat saw an impressive 24 tacks from the New Zealanders as the Swedes attempted to break out of the Kiwi stranglehold.
The margin was extended by just 2s to 25s at the third mark, and at the finish SWE63 trailed by 24s.
Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker said his team sailed a defensive race.
"We got a good jump off the start and sailed tight cover up the first beat," he said.
"By doing that we let them back into the race, but as long as everything is solid on board, it's the safest way to win in those light, shifty conditions.
"There's no margin for error but in the end we were backing our crew work, which is equal or better than any."
Following the match-racing regatta, the teams have two days off before starting a three-day, fleet-racing regatta.
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