Guardian Genius 251

[LeenaH]

I am really struggling with this one

Why is there a 26a clue when there is no 26 in the grid?

5a

I'm prominent figure dismissing European approach (9)

I think answer is 

Commander. Please confirm 

And I can't understand the clues in the 2 chains

Please help

Thanks 

 

 

[cashier]

Just looked at the crossword clues and 2down is grin (drudgery is grind) so 5across ends with n

[Lie-in King]

I've just had a quick look online & there isn't a 26a -

https://uploads.guim.co.uk/2024/05/06/Genius_No_251_(3).pdf

5a Imminence - I'm + '(e)minence' (dismissing 'E[uropean]')

[cashier]

Sorry third before the end is n

[JJ109]

In the 2 chains

Chain 1

First answer 10 letters, startingat the* and the 5th letter is I (from imminence), clue 2 = 5 letters and follows on from the end of clue 1 (German for left!) Clue 3 is 10 letters, clue 4is 6 letters and clue 5 is 6 letters and this shouldthen end at the "&".

Chain 2 = 8 letters starting at #, 12 letters for clue 2, 12 letters clue3 but split into two words of8 letters and 4 letters, finally 5 letters for clue 4 ending at the %.

[quinol]

Mny thanks JJ, enjoyed it and your help v necessary

[JJ109]

I enjoyed it also, quinol, and you are most welcome!

[LeenaH]

Thanks all for your help. I would never have got this otherwise.

Only one left. I can't figure it

Chain 1

More than one place in the country not opening (6)

---r--

[Lie-in King]

Plural - 'pl(ace)' + '(r)ural' (not opening) (?)

[newmodarmy]

^Yes, must be plural as explained