Crossword Genius

Handiest resolute knight sent to the front (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nearest

'handiest' is the definition.
(near can mean conveniently nearby)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for nearest that I've seen before include "Most local" , "Most imminent - most mean" , "Closest, being earnest" , "Most approximate" , "Stingiest" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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