CRYPTIC CROSSWORD

ACROSS

1 In theory, a sole Republican welcomes trivia (2,5) 5 Shows in US college surrounded by posters (6) 9 Slight annoyed EU, not America (7) 10 He sweeps up dirt and smut everywhere (7) 11 Sailors used to be hit by this sort of boat (3) 12 Undistinguished princes don’t broadcast (11) 13 Read up on Shakespearian king by November (5) 14 Subdue dominant opener (6,3) 16 Lifestyle of sixteen different Anglicans (9) 17 Hastily make approach (3,2) 19 A fringe cult moved away from the core (11) 22 Ambassador beginning to respect that woman (3) 23 Beetles disfigure muscles (7) 24 It’s involved in hearing a murder suspect (7) 26 A Kipling hero, short lad with hands on hips (6) 27 Rich male like a Cyclops, short of energy (7)

DOWN

1 Temperature drops in current, affecting sight (7) 2 For example, stop ruining track up mountain (11,4) 3 Sporting expert’s spin doctor (3) 4 Check over spruce primarily for what it exudes? (5) 5 Recipient of letter makes speech on Europeans (9) 6 Mike tours American bars (5) 7 People generally check up on detective with bug (3,4,3,5) 8 Hard, like wood of poor quality (6) 12 Conservationists accept a single piece of music (5) 14 Chairman inspires finest foreign policy aims (9) 15 Take on new part, ending on top (5) 16 Old game lacking husband’s profligacy (6) 18 Incomplete funeral heap surrounded by tomb (7) 20 Lots of sheets cover large field (5) 21 Fifty in disorderly game shine (5) 25 Managed US farm church abandoned (3)

NEED A CLUE? Text TIP to 65700 to receive FOUR answers to today’s crossword, or call 0901 293 6236. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Today’s clues available between 00.01 today and 23.30 only.

FOR your chance to win, solve the crossword to reveal the word reading down the shaded boxes. HOW TO ENTER: Call 0901 293 6233 and leave today’s answer and your details, or TEXT 65700 with the word CRYPTIC, your answer and your name. Texts and calls cost £1 plus standard network charges. Or enter by post by sending completed crossword to Daily Mail Prize Crossword 16,187, PO Box 28, Colchester, Essex CO2 8GF. Please include your name and address. One weekly winner chosen from all correct daily entries received between 00.01 Monday and 23.59 Friday. Postal entries must be date-stamped no later than the following day to qualify. Calls/texts must be received by 23.59; answers change at 00.01. UK residents aged 18+, exc NI. Terms apply, see Page 70.