Team USA wins twice, forces decisive final race for America's Cup

SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Oracle Team USA beat Emirates Team New Zealand twice Tuesday, extending a stirring rally that has forced a decisive final race for the America's Cup.

The Americans, who have been one loss away from elimination since last week when they trailed 8-1 -- reeled off a sixth straight victory in Tuesday's Race 17, and then followed it up with a come-from-behind win in Race 18.

The first team to reach 9 points wins the regatta, and with the score tied 8-8, the 34th America's Cup will be decided Wednesday with a winner-take-all Race 19.

Team USA trailed the Kiwis by 7-seconds at the leeward gate on San Francisco Bay but put on a burst of speed on the upwind legs to come from behind and win Tuesday's second race.