Crossword Genius

No-win situation fair, on reflection, in report (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

stalemate

'no-win situation' is the definition.
(situation in chess in which neither player can win)

'fair on reflection in report' is the wordplay.
'fair' becomes 'mela' (Indian term for a fair or gathering).
'on reflection' is a reversal indicator.
'in' is an insertion indicator.
'report' becomes 'state'.
'mela' back-to-front is 'alem'.
'alem' going within 'state' is 'STALEMATE'.

(Other definitions for stalemate that I've seen before include "Unresolvable position" , "Situation offering no way forward" , "Inconclusive result" , "A no-win situation in chess" , "Possible outcome of chess game" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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