Finest head journalist outsmarted (6)
I believe the answer is:
bested
'outsmarted' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to competing as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see an association between them that I can't see?
'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" .)