One mistake could decide cup

By Robert Lowe

Skipper Dean Barker believes Team New Zealand's clash on the water with holders Alinghi is so tight that one mistake could decide the destination of yachting's America's Cup.

The sides are locked at 2-2 going into tonight's (NZ time) rest day, after which the best-of-nine match will resume with a potentially decisive three-race stretch before the next scheduled break.

The score is provisional pending the result of a Team NZ protest to be heard tonight over the way Alinghi's mainsail is attached to the top of the mast.

That protest aside, Barker agreed that the destination of yachting's biggest prize could be decided by as simple a matter as one side making fewer errors.

"It feels like that," he said.

"It's going to be one mistake in a race could cost you the America's Cup. It's got the feeling of going right down to the wire." >more