Proved best, as one said
I believe the answer is:
won
'proved best' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Perhaps they are linked in a way I don't understand?
'one said' is the wordplay.
'said' shows a homophone (sound like).
'one' sounds like 'WON'.
'as' acts as a link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for won that I've seen before include "Succeeded, conquered" , "little cash in Korea" , "and 26: Chinese dumpling" , "Triumphed" , "prevailed" .)