The Times - Cryptic - This puzzle, used in the Preliminary B round of the 2012 Times National Crossword Championship, was solved correctly within the time limit by 61% of the competitors. - November 28, 2012

Tired of your current crossword puzzle? Try solving our daily crossword puzzles. GO TO DAILY PUZZLES!
Clues Answers
A mistake to have fielder closer SLIPUP
Ability like a bat's to fly high without collision, ultimately SONAR
Almost level sports match TIE
Anti regalia, perhaps EGALITARIAN
Backer of a new hair product ANGEL
Bent aerial atop battered set DISHONEST
Bulletin finished on a particular day UPDATE
Caring worker in aid HOMEHELP
Erne, perhaps, with little energy to fish, dropping any number EAGLE
Extended opening by hospital reveals reluctance to work SLOTH
Fish caught by river got out of basket EEL
Foolish travelling east to west without a leader UNWISE
Function with physical strength SINEW
Going back, appellation given to progenitor APEMAN
Good source of oil that's singular and spicy, such as may be put into barrels GRAPESHOT
Clues Answers
Grave quarrel taking place in pub BARROW
Immediate availability of book within presses centrally READINESS
Keep away from a bore and don't get involved LEAVEWELLALONE
Keep royal yacht title OWNERSHIP
Make a stew of turkey in Creole cooking CASSEROLE
Newspaper reportedly looked at by readers first REDTOP
One with few social skills nearly drained vintage bottle NERVE
Pale daughter embraces standing stone in desolation WASTELAND
Party meeting encompasses a small range on Europe's fringe CAUCASUS
Position of the military has influence on ranks ACTIONSTATIONS
Prevail in sport with eastern influence HAVEONESWAY
Processed gasoline out of a modified spirit SLOEGIN
Red, green, blue or black card? ODDBALL
Remaining without runs and not on target STRAYING
Support for bridge retaining only remaining column PILASTER