This crossword No. 9677 clues and answers were published on Wed 09 May 2001 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9677 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – Beekeeper : APIARIST
5-across – Tart : ACID
9-across – The best : CREAM
10-across – Gourmet : EPICURE
11-across – Metal spheres contained in races : BALLBEARINGS
13-across – Excursion : OUTING
14-across – Call into question : OPPUGN
17-across – Unwillingly : UNDERPROTEST
20-across – Bewildered : BEMUSED
21-across – Pair – supporting beam : BRACE
22-across – Spacious – aerial : AIRY
23-across – Striking timepiece : REPEATER
All Down Clues and Answers:
1-down – Cunning : ARCH
2-down – Imprecise : INEXACT
3-down – Climbing and straggling plant : RAMBLINGROSE
4-down – Meat pin : SKEWER
6-down – Old milk container : CHURN
7-down – Covering for wound : DRESSING
8-down – Lacking public estimation : DISREPUTABLE
12-down – River – capital of South Carolina : COLUMBIA
15-down – Parvenu : UPSTART
16-down – Card-game : BRIDGE
18-down – Raise objections : DEMUR
19-down – Dread : FEAR
This crossword has in total 24 where 12 are across and 12 are down.