prelusory
/ˌprɛluːˈsɔri, -ˈsɔrɪ/Definitions
1. adjective
relating to or serving as a preliminary or introduction, especially to a competition or contest.
“The prelusory matches of the tournament were exciting to watch.”
2. noun
a preliminary or introductory contest, especially in a competition or tournament.
“The prelusory round determined the seeding order for the main event.”