Oracle do it easily

2.45pm

The San Fransisco-based Oracle team easily accounted for France's Le Defi by one minute seven seconds on the Hauraki Gulf today as the second round robin of the America's Cup yachting challenger series drew towards a close.

Oracle were put under no pressure from Le Defi, who yesterday enjoyed the relief of managing to stay in the Louis Vuitton Cup competition by claiming eight place when beating Italians Mascalzone Latino.

In sou-south westerly winds of about 14 or 15 knots and on their skipper Chris Dickson's 41st birthday, Oracle led by 46sec at the first mark, 1min 2sec at the second and 1min 6sec at the third.

Oracle were due to race in today's only other match, against Sweden's Victory team, to end the round.

Prada and Alinghi will not meet in the round after Alinghi decided yesterday they would not compete in the match because they had already assured themselves of top place in the challenger fleet after the two round robins.

- NZPA

nzherald.co.nz/americascup

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