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Apply oneself in fierce contest (3,2)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

set to

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'apply oneself' is the definition.
(as in setting oneself to a task)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for set to that I've seen before include "closed" , "Start - fight (3,2,3-2)" , "Ding-dong" , "Altercation" , "Row" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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