Crossword Genius

Champions peeled off target in archery (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

inner

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

'target in archery' is the definition.
'inner' can be an answer for 'target' (I've seen this before). I'm not sure about the 'in archery' bit.

'champions peeled' is the wordplay.
'champions' becomes 'winners' (I've seen this in another clue).
'peeled' indicates the central letters (outer letters are peeled off).
The central letters of 'winners' are 'INNER'.

'off' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for inner that I've seen before include "(Hit on) part of target immediately next to the bullseye" , "More secret, private" , "Archers know about this" , "Part of the bull" , "Bull's penned in by this" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.