America’s Cup: New Zealand take 4-0 lead over Great Britain in Barcelona

New Zealand took a 4-0 lead over Great Britain in the America’s Cup to edge towards retaining their title.

Ben Ainslie’s Ineos Britannia team fell 3-0 behind on Sunday, and the fourth race was abandoned because there was not enough wind in Barcelona.

The race was pushed back to Monday – originally designated a reserve day – and, after a tight start, Emirates Team New Zealand won by 23 seconds and more than 300m.

Britain, who were aggrieved that an umpire’s decision went against them on Sunday in the pre-start, protested against New Zealand during a series of close crosses.

“It was a good race,” said Ainslie.

“We had a good start, got the first cross but they are just going well, they are going really well.

“I think we have had our moments, but still there are moments where we are losing a click and I think that’s really the difference.”

New Zealand need only three more wins to take the best-of-13 series for a third consecutive time.

“It’s nice just to keep marching forward. It feels like we’re improving a lot as a group as we go through these races, and excited to keep pushing forward,” said New Zealand skipper Peter Burling.

Britain have never won the America’s Cup in its 173-year history.

“We will push all the way. They’ve obviously had a strong start but we can still come back from this,” said Ainslie.

The fifth and sixth races take place on Wednesday.