Tuesday, October 6, 2009 (DT 25934)

This puzzle was originally published Thursday, May 21, 2009 in The Daily Telegraph

Introduction

Although I enjoyed today's puzzle, I found it to be quite challenging. I did complete the puzzle, but it took longer than I would have thought necessary. In hindsight, some of the clues that gave me trouble should really not have been that difficult - but, as Big Dave often says, it seems that I was just not on the same wavelength as the setter of today's puzzle.

Today's Glossary

Some possibly unfamiliar abbreviations, people, places, words and expressions used in today's puzzle

ticket tout - Brit. a person who buys up tickets for an event to resell them at a profit (or, in North American lingo, a scalper)

Today's Links

Gazza's review of today's puzzle may be found at Big Dave's Telegraph Crossword Blog [DT 25934].

Commentary on Today's Puzzle

11a Break provided in case of riot (4)

I recognized that "case of riot" refers to the first and last letters of riot, or RT. However, my initial stab at a solution was REST. Thereafter, I made little headway in the north-east quadrant until I discovered my mistake.

18a Understanding sailing course includes temporary accommodation (7)

In this clue, "sailing course" refers to a three-character compass bearing - not the location of a sailing race. But which of the eight possibilities should one choose?

25a Start soundly, saving some salary? (10)

This is one of those clues where I feel certain that I have overlooked some nuance. The clue is obviously an example of alliteration, but beyond that I could see no significance to most of the wordplay (i.e., "starting some salary"). However, as Gazza explains, that is exactly what the wordplay is intended to be - an example of alliteration.

5d Staying away from sailor since 10 got lost (10)

Again, as was the case in yesterday's puzzle, "10" is not a cross-reference to another clue, but merely "ten". Interestingly, if Gazza has transcribed the clue correctly in his review, the clue appeared in the Daily Telegraph with "ten" spelled out, rather than being written in numerals. Having seen this, I was prompted to go back and check 22d in yesterday's puzzle, and I see that (according to Big Dave's review) the word "ten" was also spelled out in the Daily Telegraph rather than being written in numerals.

Signing off for today - Falcon