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03/03/2009
University Challenge Winners Stripped Of Title
The Oxford University team which won the 2009 University Challenge competition, have been stripped of their title after it emerged one of the team was ineligible.
A BBC investigation was launched following reports that Sam Kay - part of the victorious Corpus Christi College, Oxford team - had already graduated and was in full-time employment.
Mr Kay, who told viewers he was studying chemistry, had already left to become an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
A statement from BBC and Granada read: "The University Challenge rules on student eligibility are that students taking part must be registered at their university or college for the duration of the recording of the series.
"Whilst obviously not intending to, Corpus Christi broke this important rule where other universities and colleges taking part adhered to it.
"We therefore find ourselves in the regrettable position of having no choice but to disqualify Corpus Christi from the final."
Presenter Jeremy Paxman backed the decision, saying: "I suppose it is mildly embarrassing but I do feel sorry for the Corpus Christi team - I mean they were all legitimate students when it started.
"But rules are rules, and they had to be stuck to."
A record audience of more than 5.3 million tuned in to see the Oxford team come from behind to win the final by 275 points to 190, earning team leader Gail Trimble an "intellectual blitzkrieg".
Corpus Christi College said in a statement: "Our students entered University Challenge in good faith. The team had a wonderful run and we are, of course, disappointed to be losing the title."
Mr Kay said: "I hugely regret not confirming my change of status to the University Challenge programme makers before the final rounds.
"I had honestly believed I was eligible as I had indicated my course dates when I applied.
"I can only apologise to the other competitors and especially to my team as it was never my intention to mislead anyone."
The BBC announced they had "no choice" but to award the trophy to the Manchester University team.
The University of Manchester team captain, Matthew Yeo, said: "While we accept the decision of the University Challenge judges, we are saddened to have been awarded the trophy under such circumstances.
"As far as Simon, Henry, Reuben and I are concerned the final was a great experience and we believe Corpus Christi College were outstanding opponents."
(JM/BMcC)
A BBC investigation was launched following reports that Sam Kay - part of the victorious Corpus Christi College, Oxford team - had already graduated and was in full-time employment.
Mr Kay, who told viewers he was studying chemistry, had already left to become an accountant at PricewaterhouseCoopers.
A statement from BBC and Granada read: "The University Challenge rules on student eligibility are that students taking part must be registered at their university or college for the duration of the recording of the series.
"Whilst obviously not intending to, Corpus Christi broke this important rule where other universities and colleges taking part adhered to it.
"We therefore find ourselves in the regrettable position of having no choice but to disqualify Corpus Christi from the final."
Presenter Jeremy Paxman backed the decision, saying: "I suppose it is mildly embarrassing but I do feel sorry for the Corpus Christi team - I mean they were all legitimate students when it started.
"But rules are rules, and they had to be stuck to."
A record audience of more than 5.3 million tuned in to see the Oxford team come from behind to win the final by 275 points to 190, earning team leader Gail Trimble an "intellectual blitzkrieg".
Corpus Christi College said in a statement: "Our students entered University Challenge in good faith. The team had a wonderful run and we are, of course, disappointed to be losing the title."
Mr Kay said: "I hugely regret not confirming my change of status to the University Challenge programme makers before the final rounds.
"I had honestly believed I was eligible as I had indicated my course dates when I applied.
"I can only apologise to the other competitors and especially to my team as it was never my intention to mislead anyone."
The BBC announced they had "no choice" but to award the trophy to the Manchester University team.
The University of Manchester team captain, Matthew Yeo, said: "While we accept the decision of the University Challenge judges, we are saddened to have been awarded the trophy under such circumstances.
"As far as Simon, Henry, Reuben and I are concerned the final was a great experience and we believe Corpus Christi College were outstanding opponents."
(JM/BMcC)
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