Cryptic crossword No 3,639

Great fun, many thanks Sisyphus! 11a my only DNK but easily gettable from the clue - too many likes to list all but 21a very satisfying, and 18a delightfully groan-worthy...cheers!

Thanks Sisyphus - I enjoyed this before and after a PK shootout between Australia and Egypt, which brought the Special Instructions a bit more to life. 9a, 18a, 1d, and 12d favs, thanks again.

Thanks Sisyphus. I found the top half went in quickly but took more time getting the rest. Some witty definitions like 9a and imaginative wp. My picks were 7a for the very smooth surface, 5a (which took a while to parse after entering), 9a, 13a, 1d, 4d. I thought 18a was a witty definition where Count is used as an adjectival noun, otherwise it should probably be "Count's ability..." which would work also. One last point...

Thanks Sisyphus, this is good. Nice nina and some great clues - my favourites were probably 10a and 24a. My only gripe would be 5a - even allowing for the "whimsically", and even though the answer's pretty obvious, I'm not personally convinced it passes the fairness test - but others may see it differently!

Thanks Sisyphus for well-crafted crossword with a helpful Nina to boot. Favourites included 9a, 1d, 3d, 4d, and 18d. I couldn't quite parse 5a, 18a, and 22a but they were easy enough to guess. Nice job.

I enjoyed this puzzle a lot, Sisyphus. The odd liberty taken but I feel they all worked - certainly, I was able to solve them and they often raised a smile. Overall, I feel this could well be the best of yours that I have solved. And, of course, you are channeling your inner Gennaro! Faves include 5a, 10a, 18a, 22a, 3d, 18d and 19d. I thought the surfaces were neat and I admired how often you were able to dispense with link word between WP and def. Thanks. PM

Nice and chewy, Sisyphus, but I got most of it. Among my favourites were 10a, 18a (I see I'm not the only fan of this one), 21a, 23a, 24a (great def), 4d and 16d (simple but superb). I DNP 5a - a wee bit too complex for me!

Sorry to come late to the party- been away for a few days. Great crossword, Sisyphus, with clever Nina with linked clues positioned perfectly. I especially liked 5a when the penny dropped, 9a, 1d, 2d, 18d. (Not sure what the 'exercises is doing in 22a.). Very clever overall- thanks!!