Crossword Genius

A run to clinch the match (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

elopement

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

'clinch the match' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both acts as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'a run' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'run' could be 'lope' (lope is a kind of run) and 'lope' is present in the answer.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'to' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for elopement that I've seen before include "sort of escape" , "Secret escape" , "trip for Union" , "aim of running mates" , "Action of running away to marry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish News.
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