tied for a lead

[lukre]

Context (surfing competition)
"Only Tom and I were left, tied for the lead."

Does the phrase mean that
a) both of them were equally good
b) both were competing for the first place
c) something else?

Thanks a lot!

[apex2000]

a)
But the suggestion is that after some competition only two came out on top; they may then have to compete against each other to find the eventual winner.