Crossword Genius

Last word in sporting events? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

final

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'last' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'word in sporting events?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really understand how this works, but
'in' is found in the answer.
The remaining letters 'fal' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for final that I've seen before include "binding" , "The last exam or leg of competition" , "Conclusive" , "Last match in a competition" , "Concluding" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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