Crossword Genius

First-rate catcher? Nothing odd in that (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ace

'first-rate' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'catcher? nothing odd in that' is the wordplay.
'nothing odd in that' indicates alternate letters (letters in odd-numbered positions are removed).
The alternating letters of 'catcher' are 'ACE'.

(Other definitions for ace that I've seen before include "Playing card with a single symbol" , "SERVE?] that's non-returnable" , "rare driving result?" , "Very good; playing card" , "One or 11 in cards" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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