Help turning both long halves into a game (7)

I believe the answer is:

diabolo

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'a game' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'help turning both long halves' is the wordplay.
'help' becomes 'aid' (synonyms).
'turning' shows that the letters should be reversed in order.
'both long halves' becomes 'bolo' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'aid' back-to-front is 'dia'.
'dia'+'bolo'='DIABOLO'

'into' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for diabolo that I've seen before include "Game involving sticks and spinning top" , "Old game" , "O, bad oil is used in this game with top and sticks" , "juggling performance?" , "Game involving two sticks joined by a string and a spool-shaped object" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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