Close match, winning
I believe the answer is:
tie-up
'close' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to natural events as well as being singular nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?
'match winning' is the wordplay.
'match' becomes 'tie' (I've seen this before**).
'winning' becomes 'up' (I've seen this in other clues).
'tie'+'up'='TIE UP'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for tie-up that I've seen before include "Tether" , "Secure with ropes" , "Moor" , "Link (between companies)" , "Association" .)