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Really good test this week from Ace of Hearts. All fell in place eventually....one of my puzzles of the year.

Sorry all. That should be IQ 1872! Can you change title please Norah? Thanks...

Stuck half way through IQ1872, would love a few tips.
10a Draw naked fish-eater (7)
25a New Zealand engineers confusing band of atoms (11, 2 words).
I have some letters, but don't want to give anything away.
In some cases one letter is to be omitted whenever it occurs, so likely each will be longer than stated.

10a is a thematic. The fisheater is the definition, but is not the entry25a is an anagram with the first letter of the answer missing. Hope that helps.

I've "completed" this , but haven't found the 4 letter word to be highlighted, unless it is to be found horizontally and in reverse. Is that correct ?

Yes, Tonynannini

p.s. See def #3 for that word in Chambers

Thanks for 25a, great. Not cracked thematics yet. Are those entries real words? Help with 5d would be useful. I have M?T??? and can see an annual checkup, but not how to use it.
In 8d, the word now seems to be italicised, is that relevant?

Hi lumen, you're correct with 5d, it's the full 7 letter version with one , the second, omitted.
8d is a thematic.

I thought that was a fine challenge and an unusual theme. 😄

As ever I am left with one ? It's not needed for completion but it is annoying nonetheless. I can't solve/parse 26d (I have the entry). 'Marine bird to judge unfairly in conversation'.

I have a couple of likely candidates but neither really sound like 'judge unfairly.