Nine starting in an uncompromising way (12)

I believe the answer is:

intransigent

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'in an uncompromising way' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.

'nine starting' is the wordplay.
'nine starting' can be anagrammed to 'INTRANSIGENT'.
But, I'm unsure how this is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for intransigent that I've seen before include "Irreconcilable" , "Unwilling to change one's views" , "Uncompromising" , "Obstinate" , "Hardliner" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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