Crossword Genius

Draw old friend (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stalemate

'draw' is the definition.
(stalemate is a kind of draw)

'old friend' is the wordplay.
'old' becomes 'stale' ('stale' can be a synonym of 'old').
'friend' becomes 'mate' (mate is a kind of friend**).
'stale'+'mate'='STALEMATE'

(Other definitions for stalemate that I've seen before include "An enforced draw in chess" , "where moving is impossible" , "Indecisive chess ending" , "Chess game deadlock" , "Inglorious deadlock" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
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