Crossword Genius

Sad case of whiskey leading to vomit (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

wretch

'sad case' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'whiskey leading to vomit' is the wordplay.
'whiskey' becomes 'W' (phonetic alphabet: alpha, bravo, charlie etc.).
'leading to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other) (some letters go before or lead others).
'vomit' becomes 'retch' (synonyms).
'w'+'retch'='WRETCH'

'of' is the link.

(Other definitions for wretch that I've seen before include "Someone to be pitied" , "Swine" , "Poor devil" , "A poor miserable person" , "Poor unfortunate soul" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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