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Zero energy around start of play — becoming too energetic? (10)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

overactive

'too energetic?' is the definition.

'zero energy around start of play' is the wordplay.
'zero' becomes 'o'.
'energy' becomes 'verve' (verve is a kind of energy).
'around' is an insertion indicator.
'start of play' becomes 'acti' (Act I).
'verve' going around 'acti' is 'veractive'.
'o'+'veractive'='OVERACTIVE'

'becoming' is the link.

I've seen this clue in The Times.
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