Contest that can lead to a flare-up (5)

I believe the answer is:

match

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'contest' is the definition.
(match is a kind of contest)

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for match that I've seen before include "Game; lighter" , "Equal - lucifer" , "tie" , "Lighter; contest" , "Partnership" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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