CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

8 Get rid of condensation from a combustible gas (8)

9 Stadiums may be new in some regions (6) 10 Ingenious aid for viewers doesn’t need it (6) 11 A pickpocket may reduce prize funds in the ring (8)

12 Was a university sportsman a bit depressed, being off colour (4)

13 The rector left the rink to go to a firm’s hq (4,6)

15 A top star had normal health, as a matter of course (2,5)

17 An old hand, for example, got good shock (7)

20 Self-control by an African party, at the end, showed moderation (10)

22 Think hard about a source of inspiration in ancient Greece (4)

24 Team display may turn out to be in a subordinate position (4-4)

26 There’s plenty for little Georgia to be learning (6)

27 Tore up line in a hire agreement (6) 28 Have to learn ode about an evergreen shrub (8) DOWN

1 Turn into trial for performing divine service (6)

2 The others aren’t so plentiful, so are a bit uneasy (8)

3 Have a song to go into the great outdoors (4,3,3)

4 An extra edition has to be quite exceptional (7)

5 Isn’t able to converse in an affected manner (4)

6 About to polish things off after getting the cold-shoulder (6)

7 A large stretch of ground, the scene of indiscriminate slaughter (8) 14 It might be wrong to have raised the anchor, but it tipped the scales (10)

16 Odds on me having nice turn-out, for example (8)

18 Taking great risks when playing for high stakes (8)

19 Have the necessary skill to show that something can be achieved (4-3)

21 Was quite attractive, comparatively speaking (6)

23 Waited to perform various functions. It may suffice, to a degree (6)

25 It’s hard to get everyone in one large room (4)