The Times - Cryptic - This puzzle was one of three tackled in 60 minutes by the 82 competitors in Heat One of the 2016 Times Crossword Championship, 33 of them solving it correctly; 30 competitors managed three all-correct solutions. - November 16, 2016

Tired of your current crossword puzzle? Try solving our daily crossword puzzles. GO TO DAILY PUZZLES!
Clues Answers
A service-book, half found at the front in ancient battle SALAMIS
Actor heading for photo shoot PLAYER
Africans like a major road around MASAI
An Indian tune: one note rises and falls NIAGARA
Around convict, heap plunder PILLAGE
Blossom, attractive in wealthy district MAYFAIR
Cheat for each run SCAMPER
Datum on very cold conditions in highest latitude, a harsh regime POLICESTATE
Disappointment on holiday one's saved up for? ARAINYDAY
Doesn't trust spin? That's key BACKSPACE
Dr Arnold was one up AHEAD
Each steamy novel is an obvious target EASYMEAT
European maybe worked round America and is returning RUSSIAN
Familiar programme on fuel REPEAT
Flag a bad cold? STREAMER
Clues Answers
Free ticket from singer keeping us quiet BUSPASS
Half the air time, or more likely less ATMOST
Heap of surplus furniture that rises at tip of Africa? TABLEMOUNTAIN
In the past nearly everyone available for work ONCALL
Joiner shows energy as temperature drops SEAM
Language of poetry very defective ERSE
Ludicrous nark turning prelate in: hard work to get free RISIBLE
Medal, green, for uniform in period of time DECORATION
No end of complaint it's extinct MOA
Pale through drinking, a custom on the Thames SWANUPPING
Record one may burn LOG
Sacked any spirited paid magistrate? STIPENDIARY
Some of circle speak passionately at court QUADRANT
Tubes from Latvian capital, Belfast-bound? RIGATONI
Will specialist wields quill, covering some ground SHAKESPEAREAN