As top performers, they have their points (5)

I believe the answer is:

stars

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

'as top performers' is the definition.
'stars' can be an answer for 'performers' (star is a kind of performer). I'm not sure about the 'as top' bit.

I cannot understand how the rest of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for stars that I've seen before include "Heavenly bodies" , "''What is the ...? What is the ...? '' (Juno and the Paycock)" , "Celestial bodies of hot gases" , "plays a leading role" , "Celebs - constellation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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