A run to clinch the match (9)
I believe the answer is:
elopement
'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" .)