Crossword Genius

The latest thing in ties? (5)

Ross

I think it could be either:

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5

3,5
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'the latest' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

'thing in ties?' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'in' is within the answer.
The remaining letters 'fal' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for final that I've seen before include "Last in a series of games or contests" , "The last exam or leg of competition" , "Conclusive" , "Not to be altered" , "Coming at the end" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian and The Globe and Mail.
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