Crossword Genius

Pinch place after elevating skill in bowling? (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

topspin

'skill in bowling?' is the definition.
(technique when bowling a ball)

'pinch place after elevating' is the wordplay.
'pinch' becomes 'nip' (nip can mean to pinch or bite).
'place' becomes 'spot' (synonyms).
'after elevating' is a reversal indicator (in a down clue, letters go up).
'nip'+'spot'='nipspot'
'nipspot' written backwards gives 'TOPSPIN'.

(Other definitions for topspin that I've seen before include "What bowler might impart to a ball" , "Feature of bowling" , "Rotation given to ball" , "What can make a ball curve" , "Warne might use this" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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