Crossword Genius

A good round knock-up (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

par

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'a good' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot see how one could define the other.

'knock-up' is the wordplay.
'knock' becomes 'rap' (synonyms).
'up' shows that the letters should be reversed in order (in down clue: letters go upwards).
'rap' reversed gives 'PAR'.

'round' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for par that I've seen before include "State of equality" , "Accepted standard" , "Black music" , "Standard amount" , "Normal number of strokes for a hole at golf" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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