In the game of love, play to win! (8)

I believe the answer is:

serenade

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'in' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

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(Other definitions for serenade that I've seen before include "Noted performance" , "Murder" , "Open-air song" , "It's played or sung at a lover's window" , "Song of romance" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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