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Professional player's favourite match (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

benefit

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'professional' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't understand how they can define each other.

'player's favourite match' is the wordplay.
'player's favourite' becomes 'bene' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'match' becomes 'fit' (synonyms).
'bene'+'fit'='BENEFIT'

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for benefit that I've seen before include "Fine bet (anag)" , "Advantage or blessing" , "Financial assistance" , "Fine bet on to produce an advantage" , "Handout" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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