| Answer | Crossword Clue |
|---|---|
| SEMI | Pre-final match |
| SUMO | Sport with a pre-match mat-salting ritual |
| ENDGAME | Final chess-match phase |
| SEMI | Match before the final |
| ENDGAME | Final stage of a chess match |
| ENDGAME | Final stage in a chess match |
| qualifiers | A match or contest to decide which individuals or teams qualify for a competition or its final rounds |
| qualifier | A match or contest to decide which individuals or teams qualify for a competition or its final rounds |
