This crossword No. 9688 clues and answers were published on Tue 22 May 2001 and the puzzle can be visited by following The Guardian Quick Crossword No. 9688 link.
All Across Clues and Answers:
1-across – A near thing : CLOSECALL
8-across – Mark of old wound : SCAR
9-across – Unrestricted hospitality : OPENHOUSE
10-across – Black marketeer : SPIV
13-across – Prison officer – salary : SCREW
15-across – Area around fireplace : HEARTH
16-across – Chewy nutty sweet : NOUGAT
17-across – Blue pigment : COBALT
19-across – Finally : ATLAST
20-across – Sailing vessel : KETCH
21-across – Oval or U-shaped coil or bend : LOOP
24-across – Horse kept for breeding : BROODMARE
25-across – Cash register : TILL
26-across – Original model : PROTOTYPE
All Down Clues and Answers:
2-down – Santa Claus’s nationality? : LAPP
3-down – Grains of quartz : SAND
4-down – Prepare to spring : CROUCH
5-down – Pay attention : LISTEN
6-down – One who takes the blame for others : SCAPEGOAT
7-down – Be drawn without conscious effort : GRAVITATE
11-down – Addictive substance from beans : CHOCOLATE
12-down – Hoodwink : BAMBOOZLE
13-down – Stem : STALK
14-down – Value : WORTH
18-down – Panic : TERROR
19-down – Approach and address : ACCOST
22-down – Speck of soot : SMUT
23-down – Support : PROP
This crossword has in total 28 where 14 are across and 14 are down.