The Times - Cryptic - This puzzle was one of three correctly solved in a total of less than 60 mins by 14 of the 24 competitors in the Grand Final of the 2015 Times Crossword Championship - December 23, 2015

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Clues Answers
Acid experience perhaps that may lead to penalty? BADTRIP
Ancient rising state that swept across Europe ORIENTEXPRESS
Beams, given first portion of rice pudding RAFTERS
Big Ben, for example, a fantastic piece of imagination CHIMERA
Book American may pick up as weapon MISSAL
Completely deposed president shortly needs drink ALLENDSUP
Country's leader who takes it all personally? KLEPTOCRAT
Drive off from party, coming back home drunk BANISH
End of pencil cut very close POINTBLANK
Enveloping poet initially, inspiration is not to be missed MUSTSEE
Fierce woman engages master guide DRAGOMAN
Flutter gently up, taking heart as flyer EGRET
Guild member with organ — many dancing LIVERYMAN
In endgame, to be beaten infra dig DEMEANING
In which to take responsibility for burning issues? HOTSEAT
Clues Answers
Joined panels in journey — second, it's said TRIPTYCH
Legal expert in off-duty dress MUFTI
Magazine featuring topless beauty ELLE
Mark raised flag in desert MERIT
Mischief is boring, full of nastiness DEVILRY
Native is enclosed, half trapped ENDEMIC
Observes shelters accommodating a thousand people COMMENTS
Official document landlord posted about return of bathroom fixture LETTERSPATENT
One seeking ermine perhaps backs theatre role TRAPPER
Relish difficult position PICKLE
School finally dismissed hooligan LOUT
Snow maybe losing a sheep WETHER
The osprey is flying: surprise! HEYPRESTO
Tries diverting river for creatures trapped on land RHEAS
Wreck is not something the clergy throw away? LAYWASTE