Couples having a row, in sport? (5)

I believe the answer is:

pairs

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'couples having a row in sport?' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.

'couples having a' is the wordplay.
'couples' becomes 'pirs' (I've seen this in another clue).
'having' is an insertion indicator.
'pirs' enclosing 'a' is 'PAIRS'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for pairs that I've seen before include "Couples" , "Duos" , "golfing matches" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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