SAILING/America's Cup:US syndicate BMW Oracle Racing snatched a morale-boosting win over Italian boat Luna Rossa in the top-of-the-table clash in the Louis Vuitton Cup yesterday.

It was neck-and-neck between the two favourites for much of the race, with the Italians holding a narrow lead after rounding the first two marks. But for a third match in a row New Zealand skipper Chris Dickson led BMW Oracle to a comeback victory after trailing at the leeward gate, crossing the line 19 seconds in front of his rivals. With the Americans sitting it out in the day's second-set of round robins, Luna Rossa took advantage to rejoin them at the top of the standings with an authoritative win over French boat Areva Challenge.

The in-form Emirates Team New Zealand closed on the leading duo after they extended their unbeaten record in the second series with victories over Desafio Espanol and South African first-time challengers Shosholoza.

With four flights still to race, Oracle and Luna Rossa lead the standings on 29 points, although the Americans have a race in hand. Team New Zealand are a point behind on 28, five ahead of Desafio Espanol who occupy the final semi-final berth.