Competitors who are entitled to play (3,6)
I believe the answer is:
the rivals
This might be a double definition.
'competitors who are entitled' is the first definition.
'the rivals' can be an answer for 'competitors' (I have seen 'keen competitors' mean 'the rivals' so perhaps 'competitors' could also mean 'the rivals'). I am not sure about the remainder of the definition.
'play' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'to' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for the rivals that I've seen before include "keen competitors" , "Play by Sheridan set in Bath" , "a comedy of manners" .)