Ben Pugh (2002-2009) played a significant role in his team’s quarter-final victory in the BBC quiz show, University Challenge. Pembroke College, Cambridge stormed to a 145- point lead – a position from which fellow Cambridge team, Clare College, could not recover, despite a spirited fight back.
As in earlier rounds, Ben made his mark by answering a number of starter questions – covering a broad range of topics including politics, philosophy, the American constitution and geographical terminology.
After a brief lull in which Clare College edged closer, Pembroke picked up the pace to win 250 – 175. This second straight quarter-final victory saw them through to the semi-finals.
Ben, who is reading German and Russian, achieved top grades in his A-levels during his time as a student at QE.