Crossword hat-trick Cryptic No 1586 (answers in next week’s paper)

ACROSS

3. Hinder by anticipation, everybody going to the woods (9)

8. I had gone after father — but not for nothing! (4)

9. Mathematical instrument used when tennis scores are level? (3,6)

10. Rig one area (6)

11. About five observed? No, more than five (5)

14. Lost article in the sea (5)

15. Or back the politician for a frolic (4)

16. Memento taken from derelict building (5)

18. Complete defeat for May in comparison with Mary (4)

20. Outer way taken (5)

21. More than a second interval in music (5)

24. If depressed it might throw light on the matter (6)

25. Breed elms that looked like something else (9)

26. No backing at 50 to 1 for the royal beast (4)

27. Bars trend to showing big breed of dog (2,7)

DOWN

1. Be merciful to ancient city; slimmers want to get rid of it! (5,4)

2. Pick only those who are married for special treatment? (6,3)

4. Frank has nothing to write (4)

5. Follow in green suede shoes (5)

6. Excursionist’s car goes right after mistaking the way in 20 (6)

7. Bird provides an amusing incident (4)

9. Not drunk like this at the end of December? (5)

11. In order that the cover shall not be hollow . . . (5)

12. . . . see this is lower, but unable to cope (3,2,2,2)

13. Foreman, perhaps, has the mastery (5,4)

17. A lot of people boast 500 joined (5)

19. Wrongly hit the first woman to steal (6)

22. Bird is almost getting dressed up? (5)

23. One can do better than this rhythm (4)

24. The prophet evidently has eyes (4)