This crossword No. 26983 clues and answers were published on Wed 07 Sep 2016 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Cryptic Crossword No. 26983 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
8-across – Closed hand around broken nail, one of only two left? : FINALIST
9-across – Pub shortly has wine locked up : INHOCK
10-across – Applied to have role as a hobbit? : BETOOK
11-across – Critical interpretation of sacrifice of six geese : EXEGESIS
12-across – African natives have information to announce : GNUS
13-across – Going back, regret road is up : RETROGRADE
15-across – One’s cooler outside a hot city : ISFAHAN
16-across – Failed to notice any females, in short … : SAWNOFF
18-across – … none distinguished, anyway : ALLTHESAME
19-across – Stroke, making murmuring sound : COUP
20-across – Look into deep cuts in protective wear : GALOSHES
22-across – One given orders to prepare exhibition : CURATE
23-across – Head of college endlessly excited by study : WARDEN
24-across – Spirit doubly applied to my game : GINRUMMY
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Accidentally reveal one is freely available? : GIVEONESELFAWAY
2-down – Death sentence widely publicised? : FAMOUSLASTWORDS
3-down – Watch and record celebrity welcome : TICKERTAPE
4-down – Directs rising model to enter, this far ahead? : STREETS
5-down – Nuclear reactor is a singular source of discomfort : PILE
6-down – Bewildering situation, as recurring itches need treatment : THREERINGCIRCUS
7-down – Composition of contemporary youth : ACHILDOFOURTIME
14-down – Pearly ring with faint odour : OPALESCENT
17-down – Journey in a ship covered by part of journal : PASSAGE
21-down – Tuft that is missing from tissue : HANK
This crossword has in total 24 where 14 are across and 10 are down.