Crossword Genius

The champion, dismissing bridge team as less substantial (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

thinner

'the champion' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I cannot understand how they can define each other.

I don't understand how the remainder of the clue works.

(Other definitions for thinner that I've seen before include "Slenderer" , "Diluting agent" , "what one adds to paint" , "Skinnier" , "Less fat" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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