The same Alpha puzzle is in the Express which I have completed today.
I don't know if the Xword setter writes the Alpha puzzle or not. But He/She may be New.
Much preferred the Old Setter or the way they used to set.
Ps. RE the Alpha puzzle Yidreg. Does the clue answer always go in the 1A position as it has done so today. Or can it end up anywhere on the grid ?