The false start should be contested (6)

I believe the answer is:

fought

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'contested' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are past participle verbs, I don't see how they can define each other.

'the false start should' is the wordplay.
'start' says to take the initial letters.
'should' becomes 'ought' (synonyms).
The initial letter of 'false' is 'f'.
'f'+'ought'='FOUGHT'

'be' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for fought that I've seen before include "Scrapped" , "Opposed, struggled" , "Quarrelled" , "Exchanged blows" , "Contended" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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