Crossword Genius

Race to give order to players (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

seed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'race' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'order to players' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'players' could be 'ee' (an abbreviation for a bridge player written twice) and 'ee' is found in the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'to give' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for seed that I've seen before include "Basis for new plant" , "Kernel" , "Race" , "Biblical children" , "Local escorted" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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