Italy Triumphs in America's Cup Series After Dramatic Comeback

Italy overcame a dramatic setback in the first race against Britain, leveling the America's Cup challenger series at 4-4. Despite suffering problems with their AC75 boat, the Italians managed to make a comeback in the second race. The competition for the Louis Vuitton Cup continues.

Italy rebounded dramatically after a high-speed nosedive in the first race against Britain on Tuesday, evening the score in the America's Cup challenger series at 4-4. The Italians faced numerous issues with their AC75 boat throughout the campaign, aiming to become the challenger for the 'Auld Mug', which dates back to 1851.

"These curve balls that keep coming our way ... We are sort of making a habit of this ... We are really going to learn what we can from today," said Italy's co-helm Jimmy Spithill on the America's Cup live broadcast after racing concluded. The teams were tied heading into Tuesday in the first-to-seven Louis Vuitton Cup, with the winner set to challenge New Zealand for the America's Cup.

In a dramatic turn, the Italians' sleek silver foiling monohull crashed bow-first into the Mediterranean waters off Barcelona, forfeiting the race as their support team hastily repaired their 'silver bullet'. Their resilience paid off in the second race, capitalizing on an unforced British error. Britain skidded out of bounds, incurring a penalty, which Italy leveraged for an early lead. "We just got out of position," admitted British co-helm Ben Ainslie. Racing will continue on Wednesday.

(With inputs from agencies.)