Team New Zealand and Luna Rossa remain deadlocked after three days of America's Cup match racing.
Photo: Photosport
For the third day running, honours were shared out on the Hauraki Gulf.
Luna Rossa took race five by 18 seconds, but the New Zealanders stormed back to take race six by one minute 41 seconds.
That leaves the scores level at 3-3 going into Suunday's racing.
A pattern of success for the America's Cup boat entering the start from the port side had emerged from the first two days of racing, but Team New Zealand bucked that trend in race five.
Despite Te Rehutai having the port entry, Luna Rossa controlled the start from starboard and built up a 32sec lead at the first mark.
Although the New Zealanders clawed back some of that over the next five legs, the Italians lead never looked threatened and they went on to win by 18 seconds.
And in race six, Luna Rossa couldn't capitalise in their port advantage after Team New Zealand dominated the start and stretched out to comfortable 1:41 win.
Team New Zealand flight controller Blair Tuke said the win had been set up with a sharp start, and built on by some impressive boat speed.
"That was a good one to have the boat speed like that - the big speed difference was very pleasing.
"I guess that was a really good reply from the guys. It was a good way to finish another tight day."
Luna Rossa helmsman Jimmy Spithill was philosophical about their starting woes.
"I think it was a matter of just getting caught in no wind unfortunately," he said.
"We just could not get the boat going back to the line. Just one of those things on a day like today - it's a little bit of a minefield down there, especially in the start box."
The first team to win seven races claims the America's Cup, with two more races scheduled for tomorrow.
