Crossword Genius

Beat somewhat shorter finalist in Omnium? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

minim

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

'beat somewhat' is the definition.
'minim' can be an answer for 'beat' (I've seen this before). I am not certain of the 'somewhat' bit.

'shorter finalist in omnium?' is the wordplay.
'shorter' becomes 'mini' (I can't justify this - if you can you should believe this answer much more).
'finalist in' indicates one should take the final letters.
The final letter of 'omnium' is 'm'.
'mini'+'m'='MINIM'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for minim that I've seen before include "Note equal to two crochets" , "Feature of a score" , "Quarter of a breve" , "Beat" , "Note of two crotchets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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