Crossword Genius

Might he start the game as winner? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

beater

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'might he start the game as winner?' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how one could define the other.

This is the entire clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for beater that I've seen before include "Person employed to rouse game" , "One attacking" , "Game raiser at a shoot" , "One disturbs game" , "Game employee" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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