Crossword Genius

In sport, knotty fixtures? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ties

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'in sport knotty fixtures?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

This is all the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ties that I've seen before include "obligations" , "allegiances" , "Drawn games" , "Items of neckwear" , "Attaches, knots" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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