| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| ACESOUT | Beats, as the competition |
| ACEOUT | Beat, as the competition |
| UNSEATS | Beats, as an incumbent |
| TEMPI | Beats, as in music |
| PELTS | Beats, as hard rain. |
| HEADTOHEAD | Direct, as competition |
| FIERCE | Intense, as competition |
| NIPANDTUCK | Very close, as a competition |
| UPONE | Ahead, as in a competition. |
| BIRL | Rotate, as a log in competition |
| HEATEDUP | Became more intense, as a competition |
| EDGEOUT | Just beat, as in a competition |
