Mascalzone Latino first America's Cup casualty

By JULIE ASH

Mascalzone Latino is the first casualty of the America's Cup.

The second Italian challenge lost to the French challenge Le Defi Areva today in what was a do or die clash in the Louis Vuitton challenger series.

Going into the match with a win each - the harsh reality of this match was the losing team would be the first of the nine challengers eliminated.

After an even start Le Defi Areva claimed the favoured left side and made the most of a strong breeze.

Le Defi Areva rounded the first mark 28s ahead and powered their way down the first run extending their lead to 30s at the second mark.

The Italians attacked constantly but never threatened Le Defi Areva's lead.

The French rounded the last mark 54s ahead before winning by 1m 10s.

While the French team punched the air in delight - tears followed in the Mascalzone Latino camp as the realisation that their campaign was over set in.

Competing in their first America's Cup - Mascalzone Latino became crowd favourites with their motto 'sail playfully but seriously'.

The Italians bowed out with the just one point which came in the first round when they beat the French.

In other flight nine matches raced this morning in 13-16 knot winds Alinghi beat Victory Challenge by 29s, Oracle BMW Racing trounced GBR Challenge by 2m and OneWorld beat Prada by 54s.

In this afternoon's races OneWorld meet Team Dennis Conner, Victory Challenge face Oracle BMW Racing and GBR Challenge meet Alinghi. This afternoon's races are the flight 5 matches which were postponed earlier in the week.

Winds: 13-16 knots

Winning margin: 01.10

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