Present returned, having come first (3)
I believe the answer is:
won
'come first' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this defines the answer.
'present returned' is the wordplay.
'present' becomes 'now' (both can mean the current period).
'returned' is a reversal indicator.
'now' back-to-front is 'WON'.
'having' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for won that I've seen before include "prevailed" , "Triumphed" , "Came first" , "Gained a victory" , "and 26: Chinese dumpling" .)