Yachting: Team NZ to choose semifinal opponents

Team NZ will have a choice of British, Italian or Russian opposition in the Louis Vuitton Trophy semifinals. Photo / Chris Cameron, ETNZ

Team New Zealand will have a choice of British, Italian or Russian opposition when the Louis Vuitton Trophy regatta in France enters its semifinal stages.

Just one race - between Team NZ and Russia's Synergy - remains outstanding from the round robin programme in Nice.

However, the result of that contest will be largely academic, with the four semifinalists from the eight-strong fleet being confirmed today.

Team NZ, who weren't in action today, have a 9-1 win-loss record and cannot be overtaken on the leaderboard.

Also making the cut were Team Origin (8-3), Azzurra (7-4) and Synergy (6-4).

As top seeds, skipper Dean Barker and his crew have the choice of whom they want to face in their knockout semifinal.

Their decision will be announced tomorrow after their round robin race with Synergy.

- NZPA