Usage patterns
〈相手〉と競り合いになるto end up in a close, back-and-forth contest with someone
In the final round, the two athletes ended up in a fierce head-to-head contest.
競り合いを繰り広げるto engage in a tight, ongoing struggle
Both teams kept up a tight struggle right up to the end.
競り合いに勝つto win a close contest
He won the final close contest to clinch the championship.