When it comes to the antonyms for "comes a close," there are several different options to consider. One possible antonym is "ranks first," which implies that something is in the top spot or leading position. Another antonym is "lags behind," which suggests that something is not as good or successful as other options. Alternatively, you could use the word "distant" to suggest that something is far behind or not competitive at all. Other antonyms for "comes a close" might include "falls short," "trails off," or "is eclipsed." Ultimately, the specific antonym you choose will depend on the context and the comparison being made.