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For 13d start with something that is technically a fruit (though perhaps it’s more common to think of it as a vegetable) then replace a two letter abbreviation for record with a single letter abbreviation for ‘accepted’ (not sure where this derives from but it’s there in Chambers).

Thanks both. I'd sorted out 10a but took a while to see 5d. I'm still not sure what it's got to do with PhD but assume it's correct (reference to putting pen to paper, etc). Still think my original answer was better.

5d is a stage in the process of completing a PhD. It’s generally 12 months.

Ah, hadn't appreciated that - thanks

Thanks jono. Light dawns.

I'd never heard of a 1a either, and it's not in any dictionary I own

I've Googled 25a, and it seems that it's used much more frequently metaphorically than to refer to the "sport".

In addition to what we we’ve already spotted, Kite just told me there are also (and I quote)… “a couple of NINAs”.

…ok, one is in the 4th row

…could be 7d reversing and turning into 5a I suppose?