New Zealand took a 4-0 lead in their America's Cup defence on Monday, getting the better of the British challenger in a tight early tacking duel and then managing to control the race.

New Zealand's Taihoro made it four from four off the Barcelona beachfront after beating Britannia by 23 seconds. The two boats exchanged leads in the first leg, but the Kiwis slowly added to their lead and were over 350 meters in front when they crossed the finish line.

New Zealand took a 4-0 lead over Britain in their America's Cup defence on Monday, with the crews locked in a tight early tacking duel and close passes in the first downwind leg before the Kiwis took control to win the race.