Bound to be equally matched (4)
I believe the answer is:
tied
This could be a double definition.
'bound' is the first definition.
('tie' can be a synonym of 'bind')
'equally matched' is the second definition.
'tied' can be an answer for 'matched' (thesaurus). I am not sure about the 'equally' bit.
'to be' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tied that I've seen before include "Bound; placed equal" , "Bound to diet" , "In no-win situation" , "Drawn" , "Bound or secured" .)