Sailing: America's hope fades

A LAST-DITCH attempt to keep Britain in the 2000 America's Cup was sanctioned by an angry syndicate boss, Professor Andrew Graves, last night, writes Stuart Alexander in Auckland. He is sending manager Angus Melrose to a meeting of all the challengers in Auckland at which the negotiation of the television deal, vital for potential sponsors, will top the agenda.

Graves poured cold water on an announcement yesterday that an agreement had been reached with the American sports channel ESPN. "My understanding is that that deal is on the verge of collapse," he said.