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I agree with you on every point, Martin: I was "at it" from about 4am till 4pm (almost), then had the usual prob's w. Java Script. Well(s), it's been submitted now, so here's to a quiet evng. --- and thanks again to all who helped out! Cheers!

Came to this late and thanks to all who have contributed . I don't think I would have got very far without all the helpful hints . So now I have a completed grid except for 21 which is 'R?E?U?K' and I realise is a partner . Cannot fathom out this one at all. Any hint would be gratefully received. Also cannot see the parsing for 17 although I have the answer. Cheers !

Re 21...and I am hopeless at explaining.
It's one of the partner clues.
You need a 6-letter words for 'clippers'
You take off an H ('heading for Hainan)
You're left with a 5 letter word which can be partnered with/followed by R......K.

Just got it !! American co . I think .

Thank you malone . Must have just cross posted ( by one minute I see). Still confirms I got it right in the end.

Glad you got there - and at least I provided some confirmation.

hi all, just got back into this. read postings , picked up a few hints - but - I'm still well short of finishing. :-( would appreciate the odd hint on 1a, 5a, 12a, 14a,16a, 17a, 2d, 4d, 6d, 8d, 15d

1a defn is "they stress"
apeal - 2 letter word
+ well known boxer
+ 2 1st letters
5a It's a partner clue
queen is a playind card here
12a partner one
anagram of ... without the ear(organ)
14a partner one
3 letter word for some round 3 letter word for fashion - gives you the male of this partnership
16a partner one
conversation synonym lose the h
17a think jane austen
2d take some bits out of your answer to 17 (4 letters making the female of this partnership)
4d normal clue - you need some china which is also a footy team
6d normal clue rugby
8d partner clue
anagram 6 letters
15d normal clue
men - 2 letter abbrev
ball - not the one you throw - with 2 letter word for "batting " inside.
defn is official practice

hi sudokulover, many thanks indeed for your help hints. this is about the most complicated genius i have ever tried (or i might just be getting too old :-)

Thanks for all the help with this - have actually finished! Could anyone parse 7d for me though?