American Magic and Alinghi win to avoid Cup elimination

Australian skipper Bob Slingsby's American Magic and Switzerland's Alinghi Red Bull Racing enjoyed victories in Spain to keep alive their slims hopes of advancing in the America's Cup challenger semi-finals.

American Magic defeated Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli off the Barcelona beachfront on Monday to cut the Italian boat's lead to 4-1 in the first-to-five playoff series.

Luna Rossa swept American Magic 4-0 at this same stage in the 2021 America's Cup in Auckland.

Meanwhile, Swiss boat Alinghi beat INEOS Britannia to also cut their lead to 4-1.

American Magic and Alinghi were so far in front in their fifth races that their rivals didn't bother finishing.

Only two races were run on Monday before sailing was suspended for the day because of light winds off Barcelona.

Racing will resume on Wednesday, when another win by Luna Rossa and Britannia will be enough to send them to the challenger final, which begins on September 26.

The winner will challenge defending champion Team Emirates New Zealand in the America's Cup final in October.