Crossword Genius

With assistance, I surpass obstacle (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

handicap

'obstacle' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

'with assistance i surpass' is the wordplay.
'with' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'assistance' becomes 'hand' (hand is a kind of assistance).
'surpass' becomes 'cap' (I've seen this before).
'hand' next to 'i' is 'handi'.
'handi'+'cap'='HANDICAP'

(Other definitions for handicap that I've seen before include "Disadvantage imposed on competitor to equalise chances" , "Impediment, hindrance" , "golfer's measure of skill" , "Hold back" , "Impede" .)

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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