New Zealand one win away from defending America's Cup

(Auckland, New Zealand-AP) -- New Zealand's Black Magic routed Italy's Luna Rossa by one minute and 49 seconds to take a 4-0 lead in the best-of-nine America's Cup.<br><br>If the Kiwis win

Tuesday, February 29th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Auckland, New Zealand-AP) -- New Zealand's Black Magic routed Italy's Luna Rossa by one minute and 49 seconds to take a 4-0 lead in the best-of-nine America's Cup.

If the Kiwis win Thursday's Race Five, New Zealand will be the first country other than the United States to defend the oldest trophy in sports.

Black Magic skipper Russell Coutts celebrated his 38th birthday matching a record with his ninth straight America's Cup match victory.