Crossword Genius

First vessel sent back (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

top

'first' is the definition.
(top can mean the best or first)

'vessel sent back' is the wordplay.
'vessel' becomes 'pot' (type of container).
'sent back' is a reversal indicator.
'pot' written backwards gives 'TOP'.

(Other definitions for top that I've seen before include "Better" , "Highest, child's toy" , "jumper, say?" , "Peak; beat" , "Summit or spinning toy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Sun.
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