What does the cryptic crossword clue "Closest competitor losing heart about records (8)" mean?

The definition is "records". The wordplay uses a charade (building blocks). ARCH (synonym="ARCH") + IVAL (synonym="chief or closest competitor") = ARCHIVAL The answer is ARCHIVAL.

Closest competitor losing heart about records (8)

Independent Cryptic #12084 | 1 Down | 2025-07-02 flower

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