Crossword Genius

Faced with a specialist (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ace

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'a specialist' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both people as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's a link between them I don't understand?

'faced with' is the wordplay.
'with' indicates a hidden word.
'ACE' is hidden within 'faced'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ace that I've seen before include "single > club > champion" , "One or 11 in cards" , "Tennis serve that the opponent can't reach" , "Playing card with a single symbol" , "strained" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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