Owing beginner small matches (5)

I believe the answer is:

duels

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'matches' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both related to competing as well as being verbs in their -s form.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?

'owing beginner small' is the wordplay.
'owing' becomes 'due' (similar in meaning).
'beginner' becomes 'l'.
'small' becomes 's' (abbreviation - e.g. clothes size).
'due'+'l'+'s'='DUELS'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for duels that I've seen before include "Clashes" , "Affairs of honour" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.

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