Dt Cryptic Today

[Lyminge]

Help please with 18d, Gets thicker after what's chewed sticks. (7)
Pretty sure 22 a, is abdomen and 24a, is berth, and 18a, is china...

So something wrong somewhere!

And 25a, criminal class looted holiday place (5,3,3)?

Thanks in hope!

[cashier]

25. Costa del sol

[cashier]

Have you any placed letters for 18?

[cashier]

18. Could be fattens

[Lie-in King]

Cudgels (sticks) - 'cud' (what's chewed) + 'gels' (?)

[Lyminge]

I've got 18 a, Country's friend- China.
22a, Stomach terribly bad portent - Abdomen.
And 24a, Number threes in a mess - berth, a lurker.

But something must be wrong as no word right for 18d, Gets thicker after what's chewed sticks. .?? C-d-b-s?

[cashier]

Much better Lik couldonly think of 'chew the fat '

[dannyk13]

18d.Cudgels
Abdomen
Ether
China

[Lyminge]

Got it all sorted now! I was wrong footed with berth, for mess! Thanks very much alll!

[Lyminge]

Thanks Danny, you are a crossword genius.