Having started the event in terrible form, losing every match on day one, the North Americans entered the final day at the Orleans Arena just five points behind.

Team World then picked up 11.5 points out of 15 in the morning skins session, putting Team North America on the brink of defeat. 

But a stirring comeback from the North Americans almost snatched the most improbable of victories at the last.

With three skins matches go the score read 29-16 to Team World, meaning the visitors needed just 1.5 further points to seal the win.

The North Americans won the first two matches to bring the score back to 29-26 and ensure the title went down to the final match.

Led by Kevin Koe, the North Americans won the first tie of the afternoon 3.5-2.5 to move onto 21 points before Bradley Gushue led them to another win to keep them in the contest.

That second match of the afternoon finished 4-1, meaning if the North Americans won the last match as well, they would defend their title.

The comeback was denied in the eighth end when Scotland’s Eve Muirhead punched out a North American stone to score two points and draw the match, therefore sealing the title.

“I knew it wasn’t over until the scoreboard said it was over.,” Muirhead said.

“My heart’s still beating.

“It’s really exciting.

“They came so close and kept crawling back, and back and back.

“To play that last shot was really exciting.

“You’re not just playing for your team [on the ice], you’re playing for the entire team.”

As well as retaining the trophy, Team World also earned $85,000 (£66,000/€75,000) in prize money.

Despite the loss, North American coach Jeff Stoughton said he was proud of the players.

“Obviously we were in a tough spot,” he said.

“But we got to the fourth end, then the sixth and then down to the wire.

“They put up a great fight.”