To finish up as champions (3)
I believe the answer is:
top
'to finish up as champions' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this defines the answer.
'to finish up' is the wordplay.
'finish' means to take half the letters.
'up' cut in half is 'p'.
'to'+'p'='TOP'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for top that I've seen before include "Peak; beat" , "The circus tent can be a big one" , "Summit or spinning toy" , "Children's toy" , "Peak; child's toy" .)