Daily hard — 2026-10-21

Across

1. 2. Rule used in some tournaments to determine a winner during extra time (10)
2. 5. Antique storage units often seen in British tea culture (10)
3. 8. A person who is adept at handling horses or tough situations. (10)
4. 9. Iconic character in a classic Simon & Garfunkel song (11)
5. 10. Event to collect gifts for children in need (8)
6. 13. Current U.S. politician known for his Senate service. (9)
7. 14. Frustrating game of hitting popping targets. (10)
8. 15. This city is home to a prominent satellite launch centre in Sichuan. (7)
9. 16. A coffee drink without caffeine (10)
10. 17. This bank recently reported quarterly profits exceeding forecasts. (12)
11. 18. Job title often found in fast food restaurants, cooking up burgers. (7)
12. 19. Phrase popularised by a Beatles song about taking chances (9)

Down

1. 1. Concept in climate science referring to irreversible change. (12)
2. 3. Cooking vessel often associated with shellfish (10)
3. 4. Comedy style focusing on crude or simple jokes (12)
4. 6. Used in sonar technology to determine distances underwater. (10)
5. 7. The attractiveness of a property from the street. (10)
6. 11. Useful tool in data analysis for making predictions (12)
7. 12. Essential component for space shuttles and rockets (10)