challenger, competitor, contender, rival, competition - the contestant you hope to defeat; "he had respect for his rivals"; "he wanted to know what the competition was doing"

lover - a person who loves or is loved

chosen - one who is the object of choice; who is given preference; "she was Mama's chosen"

macushla - (an Irish term of address expressing affection) darling

mollycoddle - a pampered darling; an effeminate man

teacher's pet - the teacher's favorite student

choice, pick, selection - the person or thing chosen or selected; "he was my pick for mayor"

popular - regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public; "a popular tourist attraction"; "a popular girl"; "cabbage patch dolls are no longer popular"

loved - held dear; "his loved companion of many years"