In opera Eugene shows singular spirit (6)

I believe the answer is:

onegin

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'in opera eugene' is the definition.
'onegin' can be an answer for 'eugene' (Alexander Pushkin character). I am unsure of the 'in opera' bit.

'singular spirit' is the wordplay.
'singular' becomes 'one' (synonyms).
'spirit' becomes 'gin' (alcoholic spirit).
'one'+'gin'='ONEGIN'

'shows' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for onegin that I've seen before include "Duelling Russian character" , "A leading singer for the opera" , "` `Eugene ......' '; Pushkin novel and Tchaikovsky opera" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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