Crossword Genius

Alternatively, black ball (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orb

'ball' is the definition.
(both can mean a sphere)

'alternatively black' is the wordplay.
'alternatively' becomes 'or'.
'black' becomes 'b' (abbreviation as in pencil classifications).
'or'+'b'='ORB'

(Other definitions for orb that I've seen before include "Ring" , "Sphere for a sovereign" , "Celestial body; sphere" , "Item of insignia" , "Part of royal regalia" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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