Japan losing first point that would win match (5)

I believe the answer is:

ippon

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'point that would win match' is the definition.
'ippon' can be an answer for 'point' (I've seen this before). I am unsure of the remainder of the definition.

'japan losing first' is the wordplay.
'japan' becomes 'Nippon' (synonyms).
'losing first' means to remove the first letter.
'nippon' with its initial letter taken off is 'IPPON'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ippon that I've seen before include "winning score" , "winning point for technique" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.

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