Crossword Genius

Beating bridge champion? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

spanking

'beating' is the definition.
(spanking is a kind of beating)

'bridge champion?' is the wordplay.
'bridge' becomes 'span' ('span' can be a synonym of 'bridge').
'champion?' becomes 'king' (I've seen this in other clues).
'span'+'king'='SPANKING'

(Other definitions for spanking that I've seen before include "making one smart" , "Fantastic" , "Very good" , "Quick and energetic (1)" , "Physical punishment" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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