The Hindu Crossword No. 2492 Sunday, July 13, 2008

Across

1 Junior sports team member lapping graduate, a blue (6) COBALT

4 Options involving cold sweets (4,4) CHOC ICES

9 Vexation shown by first of mares in trough (6) MANGER

10 I fly with one American martyr (8) IGNATIUS

12 Possible outcome of chess game in flat against pal (9) STALEMATE

13 Assistant catching small stage whisper (5) ASIDE

14 Spam on chalet menu abroad (8,4) LUNCHEON MEAT

18 Drug I dig, scarcely worried (8,4) LYCERGIC ACID

21 No-hoper, not as far away after leader's gone (5) LOSER

22 Subsistence level reportedly raised before row (9) BREADLINE

24 Chief support provided by mother during visit (8) MAINSTAY

25 Miner's tailless dog (6) COLLIE

26 Apple dessert, lacking in taste after roast (8) PANDOWDY

27 Secret press (6) CLOSET

Down

1 I'm so embarrassed wearing new lace undergarment (8) CAMISOLE

2 Sash and girl's handkerchief (8) BANDANNA

3 Feudal lord, say, in tale (5) LIEGE

5 One clinging on to attacker in confusion? (6-6) HUGGER-MUGGER

6 Cleaner, by a stop, caught bus (9) CHARABANC

7 Pop briefly coming round in hospital (6) CLINIC

8 Nurse demanding cut is bandaged (6) SISTER

11 Plaintive cry on ship from most senior male director, perhaps (3,9) MAN OVERBOARD

15 Poser they solved at once (3,6) HEY PRESTO

16 Longs to nurse poorly Greek hero (8) ACHILLES

17 One supporting that lady during a depression (8) ADHERENT

19 Stop talking about large American at university (4,2) CLAM UP

20 A second omen for delegate (6) ASSIGN

23 Amusing puppet round end of pier (5) DROLL