Independent 8,834 by Phi

As I said when posting last week, I am always slow to begin Phi’s crosswords, but then everything becomes clear and you wonder why there were any difficulties, because it all fits together fine and one is left wondering what the problem ever was. Perhaps that’s the mark of a good setter.

I have given up having more than a cursory glance (which of course failed to find anything here) to see if Phi has given us a Nina, since his — if they exist at all — are always so difficult to see. No doubt …

Definitions underlined.

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Financial Times 14,846 by ALBERICH

A very good and interesting puzzle. Some puzzles contain a string of traditional cryptic constructions and feel a bit workmanlike.  Alberich puts together a set of traditional cryptic constructions and the result is fresh and entertaining.  I can’t put my finger on what makes the difference.  No doubt that that explains why I just blog the these puzzles not set them.

I’m stuck on 6 across, any help appreciated.  Thanks Alberich.

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