Finest head journalist outsmarted (6)
I believe the answer is:
bested
'outsmarted' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to competing as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps there's an association between them I don't understand?
'finest head journalist' is the wordplay.
'finest' becomes 'best' (similar in meaning).
'head journalist' becomes 'ed' (short for editor).
'best'+'ed'='BESTED'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for bested that I've seen before include "Conquered, overcame" , "Defeated or outwitted" , "Worsted" .)