Extra Ef-fort

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Difficulty ● ● ◐ ○ ○

Puzzle Notes

Greetings Crossword Nation Friends,

"Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night" ~Michael Jordan

I love reading biographies and memoirs, especially the life stories of athletes. The common theme among superstars across all sports is -- effort. To be fully-committed at every moment -- be it during practice, the first round of a tournament, at the World Cup or in the Super Bowl. The commitment, as Michael Jordan advises, is there -- even on a wobbly early-in-the-season night when the playoffs seem far off in the distance. Whenever my energy flags and I want to skip a workout in this hot weather -- I think of Billie Jean King who, in 1973, stepped up her training after accepting Bobby Riggs's challenge of an exhibition match (later known as the Battle of the Sexes). Though one of the greatest tennis players on the circuit, Billie Jean King took nothing for granted. She put in the effort and developed a game plan against the formidable Riggs. King won in straight sets: 6-4, 6-3, 6-3. 

Today's puzzle requires a bit of extra effort, so let's get down to business:

Welcome to Week 686 of Crossword Nation. We invite you to solve "Extra Ef-fort" as your challenge of the week. Stay cool, hydrated and happy solving!

Thank you for subscribing to our little shop of puzzles. If you enjoy this crossword, please give it a good rating on Amy Reynaldo's site. Your positive ratings help us stay strong and independent! 

Cruciverbally yours and with respect,

Liz

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Solvers of The New Yorker puzzles: Please check out my most-recent crossword, a "challenging" affair.

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Happy solving and be well!

Liz Gorski