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All four teams for the semi-finals of the Santa Maria Cup are set after an intense day of racing in Annapolis. Here’s why this result is crucial for the championship race.
Defending champion Allie Blecher (USA), Anna Östling and Martina Carlsson from Sweden, and Julia Aartsen from the Netherlands all advance to the knockout rounds following a double round robin qualifying stage. High temperatures delayed the start, but once racing commenced, it showcased thrilling matchups off the historic United States Naval Academy.
Lily Xu Lijia from China made waves in her first Women's World Match Racing Tour event, defeating former champion Anna Östling. Blecher’s Team BAAM dominated the qualifiers, finishing with fifteen wins. Östling's Team Wings closely followed with fourteen victories, while Aartsen's Out of the Box Team secured the final semi-final spot with thirteen wins.
As the semi-finals began, Blecher quickly took control against Carlsson, winning the first two matches. Östling also struck first against Aartsen in a nail-biting contest, benefiting from Aartsen's penalties. With spots in the Santa Maria Cup Final at stake, the stage is set for an electrifying conclusion.
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