Crossword Genius

The best man, joined by Agnes for drinks (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

champ

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'agnes for drinks' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.

'the best man joined' is the wordplay.
'the best' becomes 'cham' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'man' becomes 'p' (abbreviation for pawn, a chess piece or 'man').
'joined' means one lot of letters go next to another.
'cham'+'p'='CHAMP'

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for champ that I've seen before include "boxer who is top dog?" , "Mashed potato with scallions" , "use teeth?" , "Fret impatiently; winner" , "Show impatience" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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