Student revels in TV quiz victory

A STUDENT who hit the headlines following a verbal joust with question-master Jeremy Paxman is celebrating today after leading his team to an "amazing" victory in the television quiz University Challenge.

Alexander Guttenplan praised Paxman's "good humour" after captaining Emmanuel College, Cambridge, to a 315-100 win over St John's College, Oxford, in the 2010 competition final last night.

Mr Guttenplan, 19, became an internet star after an exchange with Paxman in an earlier round.

The presenter said "good guess" after Mr Guttenplan correctly answered a question about poet WH Auden. The student replied: "It wasn't a guess."

Scots Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy, who presented Mr Guttenplan with the trophy, added: "I have never seen such a comprehensive win … Amazing victory."