Crossword Genius

Tried out eliminating two opponents, then tried again (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

reheard

'tried again' is the definition.
('heard' can be a synonym for 'tried' so perhaps 'reheard' is OK for 'tried again')

'tried out eliminating two opponents' is the wordplay.
'tried out' becomes 'rehearsed'.
'eliminating' indicates named letters should be taken away.
'two opponents' becomes 'se' ('South' and 'East' are opponents in bridge).
'rehearsed' with 'se' taken out is 'REHEARD'.

'then' is the link.

(Another definition for reheard that I've seen is " Again tried".)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.
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