VALENCIA, Spain, May 20 (UPI) -- Luna Rossa of Italy Sunday eliminated BMW Oracle of the United States in the yachting semifinals of the Challenger series in America's Cup.
Luna Rossa took an early advantage and held it the rest of the way for a 33-second victory in Race Six of the best-of-nine series at Valencia, Spain.
The Italians won the last four races.
Luna Rossa kept the same margin on the first downwind leg, expanded it by three more seconds on the second upwind leg, and led by 35 seconds heading for home.
The American boat could not cut into the deficit and saw its hopes of bringing the Cup back to the United States end.
New Zealand can advance to the Challenger finals with a victory in its next race against Desafio Espanol on Tuesday.
