MEDICINE HAT – Team North America extended its lead over Team Europe at the halfway point of the four-day "Ryder Cup of curling" competition.

Singles and team play victories gave North America a 76-28 lead before a night rally by Team Europe's men's squads closed the gap to 82-40.

Andi Schwaller's Swiss foursome upended defending world champion Glenn Howard of Canada 5-4, and Germany's Andy Kapp shaved Todd Birr of the United States by the same scoreline.

"I knew when it came out of my hand that it had too much weight," said Birr. "And I was thinking 'God, don't let that be as bad as I think'."

Only Randy Ferbey's three-time world champions from Canada won their evening match, 7-4 over the new European champion, David Murdoch of Scotland.

Earlier in the day, Team North America won 28 out of a possible 32 points in winning five of six singles competitions.
 
Each of the six teams from each side participated in the singles competition consisting of six shots – runback takeout, draw to the button, draw through a port, raise, hit and roll and the double takeout.

Europe has a chance to rebound through the final weekend of play, where maximum points are available in Mixed Doubles and Skins competitions. The first team to reach 201 points or more is declared the winner.

Competition continues through the finals on Sunday. CurlTV.com is streaming live matches from the event, and CBC-TV will televise the final matches Saturday and Sunday in Canada.