KAKURO

FILL in the blank squares of the grid using only the numbers 1 to 9, without repeating any number in any line of blank squares. The lines must be filled in with numbers which add up to the total in the shaded box at the top or beginning of each line. A number in the bottom half of a shaded box gives a downwards total: in the top half, it’s a horizontal total. Solution tomorrow.

ACROSS

1 Picture Clue 5 Race place — just like a crib? (5) 7 Vedantic — endless, but prophetic (5) 9 Picture Clue 11 Microelectronic source — of fish eggs! (3) 12 Bit of an opening for a writer... (3) 13 Picture Clue 16 Authority of speaking this way (3-2) 17 Decor re-done according to beliefs (5) 18 Picture Clue

DOWN

1 Picture Clue 2 Yes, it could be, lots of abominable snowmen! (5) 3 Variety show overdue, but do not change it (5) 4 Picture Clue 6 Picture Clue 8 Picture Clue 10 Rather pointed advice? (3) 14 Mango — could link cat and pigeons (5) 15 Faun — cutest piece of film version (5)

Yesterday’s solution ACROSS: 1 Golden age. 5 Her. 6 Elm. 7 Pool cue. 10 Tea. 11 Rissole. 12 Boa. 13 In a rush. 16 Ill. 17 Lie. 18 Dawn raids. DOWN: 1 Grey area. 2 Lamp. 3 Noel. 4 Extendable. 5 Heat shield. 8 Oasis. 9 Cue balls. 14 Ruin. 15 Hi-fi.