. skipper Ben Ainslie has said.
Luna Rossa defeated Ainslie ‘s 7-1 INEOS in the top 13 in Auckland and will have their second tilt at the world’ s oldest sporting title when they advance TNZ from March 6.
The two previous teams have faced each other in the 2000 American Cup match in Auckland and in the final of the 2007 Challenger Series in Valencia. TNZ swept both ties 5-0 but Ainslie expects a much tougher battle this time around.
“” We know how good the Kiwis are. It’s something like taking on the All Blacks at Eden Park, around here on Hauraki Bay, ”said Ainslie. “But Luna Rossa has certainly had a chance.
“They are strong in all situations but especially in lighter tunes. Racing in these finals has been intense at times and will no doubt help them in the game.
“TNZ are the defenders for a cause. They have been incredibly strong in American Cup history. It’s going to be a real battle for Luna Rossa but they’ve proven they can get through it. ”
Ainslie, 44, said he had no plans to step away from the sport after leaving the INEOS disappointment.
“You look at boys like Tom Brady who did a little bit of favor for some of the old boys,” Ainslie told the Times referring to the 43-year-old Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
“If you keep yourself in shape and keep your mind sharp, you can still be very effective. ”
Reporting by Arvind Sriram in Bengaluru; Edited by Simon Cameron-Moore