Crossword Genius

The friend father left (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

pal

'the friend' is the definition.
(pal can mean a friend)

'father left' is the wordplay.
'father' becomes 'pa' (pa can mean dad or father).
'left' becomes 'l' (common abbreviation).
'pa'+'l'='PAL'

(Other definitions for pal that I've seen before include "Crony" , "Friend (colloq.)" , "Bud" , "Close friend" , "Mate, informal friend" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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