Slow starter frequently easy to beat (4)

I believe the answer is:

soft

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'easy to beat' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'slow starter frequently' is the wordplay.
'starter' suggests taking the first letters.
'frequently' becomes 'oft' (oft can mean frequently, eg oft-quoted).
The initial letter of 'slow' is 's'.
's'+'oft'='SOFT'

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(Other definitions for soft that I've seen before include "Mild" , "Gentle; non-alcoholic" , "Malleable, light" , "Yielding; quiet" , "Velvety" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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