Intro:

Oracle Team USA's Jimmy Spithill extends lead as Dean Barker capsizes in the first day of final leg of the America's Cup World Series on Thursday (June 28) in Newport, USA.

Script:

Jimmy Spithill of Oracle Team USA was the strongest on day one on the sixth and final stop of the America's Cup World Series in Newport, USA.

Spithill managed to make big gains over his nearest rival, Dean Barker, who capsized unexpectedly for Emirates Team New Zealand.

The opening fleet race saw Spithill lead for the entire race. The win meant he attained a top seeding in the match racing quarter-finals.

Spithill, who was celebrating his 33rd birthday, was paired against Team Korea and won again to go through to the semi-finals on Friday (June 29).

Also of Oracle Team USA, Russell Coutts, won his match against Swordfish.

Artemis Racing are through to the semi-finals as well after beating Energy Team.

Luna Rossa Piranha were paired against Emirates Team New Zealand but the conditions and subsequent capsize saw the Kiwis wallow in the water for nearly an hour.

There was a worry that the damage to the wing would rule Emirates Team New Zealand out of Friday's racing but they still hope to compete.

This sets up Coutts against Chris Draper's Piranha team in one semi-final and Artemis Racing against Spithill in the other pairing.