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Once again, EV leaves the Listener and Inquisitor a long way behind in terms of difficulty. I've managed to solve three clues after three days with only a vague idea of where they go. Getting the early ones would help to get the two unknown contestants so how about these? (In each case there is a redundant word).

9a Leader of operational authority mixing noxious gas capsules (7)

2d Mainland's steelyard monopolizing 75% of state's capital (6)

Thanks for any hints.

Answering my own question, 2d is BISMAR(CK). I've got the two thematic players so maybe I'll get somewhere now!

You may already have 9a by now but it's the first letter of operational plus a four letter word for authority plus a noxious gas used in riots, two letters.
I have the grid filled, and am trying to make sense of the instruction.
Agree about the level of difficulty; it has already occupied more time than the Listener and Inquisitor combined.

You're ahead of me, finn, but I'm getting there and then I'll see if can work that one out. Thanks for the help.

Finished! Finn - what you have left is a big square. Divide the grid likewise.

Very well done Orson.
So it's what it looks like. I dismissed the idea at first as I convinced myself that the word "rematch" meant a two player game.
Still unable to follow the moving instructions, or make the last twelve letters of the rules align in some way, but will look afresh.
Thanks.