16a. "China may be so, having power backed by friendly state". P - - - Y. Can this really be simply "PALLY" ? If so, what is 17d. "Soft-skinned fish largely gutted with old Maori weapon". (L) - O - E...
16a. Last one! Letters N-E-T. Have "write" up as "net" and last two letters as "information" "IT" giving NEPIT, which W'PDIA explains as a mythological being. Can't understand the clue. Explanation -...
20a. "Old giant of the tennis court." I have ?t?n. thE TENnis perhaps? 21d. "This is at a lower level and has no foundation when underground". I have ?e?e. Stumped.