BMW Oracle Racing, which led the standings since the opening flight on April 20, finished with 37 points, one less than the Kiwis in the America's Cup challengers series. The American team finished 1 minute, 34 seconds behind.

Later today, Emirates Team New Zealand will choose its opponent for the best-of-nine semifinals from May 14-24. Luna Rossa and Desafio Espanol have also qualified.

Emirates Team New Zealand topped the Louis Vuitton rankings after three years of fleet racing.

Luna Rossa finished with 35 points after winning by 1:54 over Desafio Espanol, which ended with 29.

Following a split tack, BMW Oracle Racing took the early lead after both teams had left the start line evenly on the northern "Romeo" course.

The Kiwis tacked to the middle halfway up the first lap and used a strong breeze to earn a 54-second lead around the first windmarker. The USA-98 yacht tacked too late to keep pace and never challenged.

Luna Rossa led from the start on "Romeo" and increased its advantage when Desafio Espanol was penalized for its spinnaker touching the first marker.

Around the second leg, Desafio Espanol's bow came down to fall further behind.

Also on "Romeo," Mascalzone Latino finished sixth after beating fifth-place Victory Challenge by 38 seconds.

On the "Juliet" course, +39 Challenge of Italy beat United Internet Team Germany by 30 seconds for its third straight win, and Shosholoza defeated Areva Challenge by 14 seconds to finish seventh.

Last-place China Team raced its final match yesterday, losing by 1:57 to +39 Challenge.