Crossword Genius

Number cut back in game (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

ninepins

'game' is the definition.
(I know that ninepins is a type of bowling)

'number cut back' is the wordplay.
'number' becomes 'nine' (nine is a number).
'cut' becomes 'snip' (snip is a kind of cut).
'back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'snip' written backwards gives 'pins'.
'nine'+'pins'='NINEPINS'

'in' is the link.

(Other definitions for ninepins that I've seen before include "Bowling game" , "Form of skittles" , "Skittles (IX, not V)" , "Skittles, IX objects to be knocked down" , "Bowling targets" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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