Team New Zealand has retained its claim on the Auld Mug with a confident lead over Luna Rossa on every leg in race 10.

The race 10 start was twice delayed, starting half an hour later than expected, but the defenders launched into it, securing a lead on their Italian rivals early on.

They steadily extended that lead during the race, finishing 46 seconds ahead and claiming the title 7-3 in the best-of-13 series.

In what was a thrilling ninth race of the Cup match on Tuesday, Luna Rossa held a narrow lead through almost five legs of the six leg race on course C under the shadow of North Head. Team New Zealand had rarely trailed by more than 100 metres however, and the defenders powered past in the fifth leg.

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With Team New Zealand anticipating the chance to lift the Auld Mug yesterday a wind change postponed race 10, handing the Italians a lifeline.

Course A was selected as today's race track, with wind conditions expected to range from 7 to 11 knots from the northeast.

For fans wanting to watch the race from Auckland's mainland, Milford and Takapuna on the North Shore are the best spots to see all the action.

Reporting by Radio New Zealand

Republished by Arrangement