Crossword Genius

Hurts to see a game finishing early (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

aches

'hurts' is the definition.
('ache' can be a synonym of 'hurt')

'a game finishing early' is the wordplay.
'game' becomes 'chess' (chess game is a kind of game).
'finishing early' means to remove the last letter.
'chess' with its final letter removed is 'ches'.
'a'+'ches'='ACHES'

'to see' is the link.

(Other definitions for aches that I've seen before include "sign of suffering" , "Constant pains" , "Gives a dull pain" , "Dull prolonged pains" , "discomfort" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app