The Times - Cryptic - December 23, 2015 Crossword Puzzle Answer

The Times - Cryptic - This puzzle was one of three correctly solved in a total of less than 60 mins by 14 of the 24 competitors in the Grand Final of the 2015 Times Crossword Championship - December 23, 2015

Clues	Answers
Acid experience perhaps that may lead to penalty?	BADTRIP
Ancient rising state that swept across Europe	ORIENTEXPRESS
Beams, given first portion of rice pudding	RAFTERS
Big Ben, for example, a fantastic piece of imagination	CHIMERA
Book American may pick up as weapon	MISSAL
Completely deposed president shortly needs drink	ALLENDSUP
Country's leader who takes it all personally?	KLEPTOCRAT
Drive off from party, coming back home drunk	BANISH
End of pencil cut very close	POINTBLANK
Enveloping poet initially, inspiration is not to be missed	MUSTSEE
Fierce woman engages master guide	DRAGOMAN
Flutter gently up, taking heart as flyer	EGRET
Guild member with organ — many dancing	LIVERYMAN
In endgame, to be beaten infra dig	DEMEANING
In which to take responsibility for burning issues?	HOTSEAT

Clues	Answers
Joined panels in journey — second, it's said	TRIPTYCH
Legal expert in off-duty dress	MUFTI
Magazine featuring topless beauty	ELLE
Mark raised flag in desert	MERIT
Mischief is boring, full of nastiness	DEVILRY
Native is enclosed, half trapped	ENDEMIC
Observes shelters accommodating a thousand people	COMMENTS
Official document landlord posted about return of bathroom fixture	LETTERSPATENT
One seeking ermine perhaps backs theatre role	TRAPPER
Relish difficult position	PICKLE
School finally dismissed hooligan	LOUT
Snow maybe losing a sheep	WETHER
The osprey is flying: surprise!	HEYPRESTO
Tries diverting river for creatures trapped on land	RHEAS
Wreck is not something the clergy throw away?	LAYWASTE