Crossword Genius

Only to lose badly (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sole

'only' is the definition.
(synonyms)

'lose badly' is the wordplay.
'badly' indicates an anagram (letters in the wrong order).
'lose' is an anagram of 'SOLE'.

'to' is the link.

(Other definitions for sole that I've seen before include "Unique" , "Flatfish; exclusive" , "piece of leather" , "fish in the sea!" , "Shoe part -- lone" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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