Noticed poles impeding top player (6)
I believe the answer is:
sensed
But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?
(Other definitions for sensed that I've seen before include "Became aware through mental perception or intuition" , "'Felt, perceived (6)'" , "Became vaguely aware of (something)" , "Felt, tasted, etc" , "Felt, had mental impression" .)