Clear enough?

[Allen165]

Is it clear in the sentence below that "its" refers to "sporting competition"?

The second part contrasts sporting competition with economic competition, thus setting out its specific nature, while...

Or should the sentence read something like this:

The second part contrasts sporting competition with economic competition, thus setting out the former's specific nature, while...

Thanks.

[Barb_D]

The "it" gave no indication what it was referring to. Your rewrite makes it clear.

[Raymott]

Is it clear in the sentence below that "its" refers to "sporting competition"?

The second part contrasts sporting competition with economic competition, thus setting out its specific nature, while...

Or should the sentence read something like this:

The second part contrasts sporting competition with economic competition, thus setting out the former's specific nature, while...

Thanks.

The second part contrasts the specific nature of sporting competition with the more general nature of economic competition.