For the first time in the 12-year history of the Continental Cup, Team World and Team North America are deadlocked heading into the final round of competition.
The two squads are even at 22.5 points each in the race to 30.5 after three skins games worth five points apiece were played Sunday afternoon in Las Vegas.
North America's John Shuster was the only skip to earn a win, edging China's Jialiang Zang 3-2 in an all-male battle. Erika Brown of North America and Team World's Ayumi Ogasawara played to a 2.5-2.5 tie while Team World skip Thomas Ulsrud and North America's Pat Simmons also settled for a 2.5-2.5 tie in their mixed skins game.
"You couldn't ask for more," said Ulsrud, who nailed down the tie with a clutch draw to cover the button against North American lineup that featured Simmons, Kaitlyn Lawes, Carter Rycroft and Jill Officer.
"I thought it was fantastic entertainment," said Team North America coach Rick Lang, whose team is riding a three-year win streak at the Continental Cup. "I know my adrenalin is pumping right now, and all our players are, too. Looking forward to a great evening of curling tonight."
The final round of skins, with five points on the line in each game, go Sunday evening.
North America's Jennifer Jones will play Eve Muirhead in a women's draw. Kevin Koe will play Team World's Niklas Edin in men's while John Morris, Allison Pottinger, Nolan Thiessen and Natalie Nicholson of Team North America battle Torger Nergard, Nadine Lehmann, Havard Vad Petersson and Marissa Winkelhausen in mixed.
A total of 60 points are available over the four days of competition in traditional team, mixed doubles and skins competition, with the first team to surpass 30.5 points declared the winner.
The winning side receives $52,000 while the losing side gets $26,000. Should the teams end in a 30-30 tie, the overall prize money will be split evenly.
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