Crossword Genius

Hit runs during a defeat in sub-par performance (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

albatross

'sub-par performance' is the definition.
(type of golf score)

'hit runs during a defeat' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'hit' could be 'bat' (batting is a kind of hitting) and 'bat' is found within the answer.
'runs' could be 'r' (cricket abbreviation) and 'r' is found in the answer.
'a' is found in the answer.
'defeat' could be 'loss' (I've seen this before) and 'loss' is located in the remaining letters.
This accounts for all the letters.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for albatross that I've seen before include "Ocean bird; a burden (round neck)" , "Oceanic bird - golf score" , "Atlas bros alter the large bird with narrow wings" , "Birdie" , "Long-winged sea-bird, a constant burden" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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