Alinghi await court's Cup ruling

MADRID, Spain -- Americas Cup holders Alinghi have confirmed they have ended negotiations with the US syndicate Oracle over the rules for the 2009 event, and will wait for a New York court to decide the outcome.

Alinghi was responding to Oracle's statement earlier this week, which accused the Swiss team of "abruptly" breaking off the talks.

The Oracle team believe that the rules put forward by Alinghi favor the Swiss holders.

A New York court is to deliver a ruling on Oracle's legal challenge this month, and if it upholds the Americans' viewpoint there could be a postponement of the series scheduled to be held in Valencia in 2009.

"Alinghi has lost confidence in BMW Oracle having any intention of negotiating a settlement in good faith," the Swiss team said in a statement.

"Alinghi will now await the decision of the Supreme Court of New York, and hopes BMW Oracle will abide by the court's judgment..."

Alinghi said the Americans late Tuesday had "unexpectedly announced five new demands" after an agreement in principle had been reached.

Britain's Team Origin has urged both sides to resume talks rather than wait for the court's ruling.

"We are very disappointed, as we thought an agreement was close. All the challengers want this settled for 2009 before a court decision," spokesman Marcus Hutchinson said. E-mail to a friend