Alinghi evens series with New Zealand

VALENCIA, Spain -- America's Cup defender Alinghi sailed by the book Wednesday -- the Swiss yacht grabbed the lead and defended it.

The defending champion's 30-second victory over New Zealand evened the best-of-nine series at 2-2 for the Auld Mug, the oldest trophy in international sport, and was a classic example of America's Cup racing.

The Swiss built a slight edge and then -- as sailors say -- "put their elbows out" to block any attempt the Kiwis made to pass.

"It was a lot more classical than yesterday. Yesterday was not a match race," said Ernesto Bertarelli, the Swiss biotech billionaire who founded Alinghi in 2000 and was aboard as a crew member. "It's 2-2. We need to win five, that's all that matters."

The Kiwis lodged a protest after the race when the Swiss dropped their mainsail while a crew member was aloft, contrary to the rules. Regardless of the jury's decision this morning, the Kiwis can expect the move to add more fire to the developing rivalry associated with the tightest America's Cup in 24 years.

-- The Associated Press