Le Defi in surprise win over Victory Challenge

4.00pm - By JULIE ASH

Le Defi Areva have hung on for another day in the quarter finals of the Louis Vuitton challenger series.

The French pulled off their first win in the quarter finals beating Sweden's Victory Challenge by pe34s today.

Going into 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 - 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.

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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