It's singularly handy in a row (5)

I believe the answer is:

scull

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'a row' is the definition.
(to scull is to row a boat with sculls)

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

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for scull that I've seen before include "Row with two oars" , "Small oar" , "Light rowing boat" , "racing shell" , "A single oar" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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