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Bit of a struggle this week. Down to last two.
17a General manager, at first opening in French, is puzzling people (11) E?D?M?T?S?S
53a Founder of Academy of Sport, just about closed (5) P?A?O

Thanks in anticipation

Missed one! 5d Spies, close to fit, strange old rattle (7) S?S?R?T

17 Enigmatists, puzzling people - I didn't parse it all!

17a: enigmatists = puzzling people (def)
en - in (French)
GM - general manager
at
ist - first
is

5 "Sistrum" = rattle.
Spies "SIS", close to fi"t", strange is "rum".

Pla(y) to

Thanks everyone. Had to change some answers and as a result still have one outstanding

8d Hold in position large drink bottles for stealing (7) S?I?I?G

Thanks again

8 Swiping, stealing - Swig, large drink, with Pin, hold in position, inside.

8d: swiping = stealing (def)
pin - hold in position
swig - large drink

Ah thanks