Crossword Genius

Level in cup match, right? (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

tier

'level' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'cup match right?' is the wordplay.
'cup match' becomes 'tie'.
'right?' becomes 'R' (common abbreviation).
'tie'+'r'='TIER'

'in' acts as a link.

(Other definitions for tier that I've seen before include "One who secures" , "Rank - order" , "Level - layer" , "Row, level" , "'Level, grade (4)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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