the.com/tied
Two competitors agreeing, against all odds, to disappoint everyone equally.
means Having an equal score or result, with no winner and no loser among the contenders.
from From Old English tigan, to bind with rope; scores became metaphorically lashed together, neither able to pull ahead.
Sports horrorAmerican football fans dread it more than losing.
Chess wordThere it gets the fancier name draw.
Knot kinSame root as the necktie strangling your neck.