International media heaped praise on the new Louis Vuitton Cup holders Team New Zealand, the day after they set up a "grudge match" against Alinghi for the America's Cup in two weeks time.
British broadsheet newspapers the Telegraph and the Times were astounded with the ease with whichthe New Zealanders dispatched of Luna Rossa, who were in hot form leading into the finals.
"Forgotten in an instant is now Luna Rossa. They had beaten BMW Oracle Racing 5-1 in the semi-finals. The Kiwis dispatched them with even greater authority," wrote the Telegraph's reporter in Valencia Tim Jeffery.
While the Times reported: "Never in the history of the Louis Vuitton Cup has the final proved so one-sided and the margin of the New Zealand team's superiority augurs well for their upcoming clash with Alinghi."
The black boat won the right to challenge for yachting's biggest prize by sweeping Italian syndicate Luna Rossa 5-0 in the Louis Vuitton Cup finals.
Swiss newspaper Le Temps gave special mention to the usually stoic Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker, who allowed himself to indulge in the celebrations.
"Dean Barker, beer in hand, smiles at last. The skipper of Emirates Team New Zealand can finally open the tap on his emotions. Loosen up, for a few hours or so."
Team New Zealand's victory has set up a rematch of 2003's America's Cup which saw Alinghi take the Auld Mug off the Kiwis in an embarrassing 5-0 whitewash.
And despite racing still 16 days away, yachting scribes are already salivating about the prospect of Team New Zealand squaring the ledger.
After 2003 "the New Zealanders dream of taking their revenge", wrote Le Temps, while New York Post reporter Christopher Clarey, through a New Zealand supporter in Valencia, summed up the feeling of most Kiwi supporters: "It's a grudge match."
