Crossword Genius

So such games require a flat area? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

panel

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

'flat area?' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both man-made objects as well as being singular nouns.
Maybe there's an association between them I don't understand?

'so such games require a' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'a' could be 'an' and 'an' is present in the answer.
'games' could be 'pe' (abbreviation for Physical Education) and 'pe' is found in the leftover letters.
A single letter 'l' remains which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for panel that I've seen before include "regularly beaten by bodywork experts?" , "Bordered rectangle (in door etc)" , "Committee appointed to judge a competition" , "Jury members" , "Quiz team; part of door" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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