The Challenge

[spursfan]

Q120 Still struggling so can anybody help with hints/suggestions for the following

In 2005 it was a prestidigitator,in 2001 a jet engine and in 2000 but a babe.Back in 1998 it was a sorcerer,in 1997 a martial art,in 1996 a master of the violin and in 1991 someone who amuses us.In 1998 it was a precious lump and a large,crusty sandwich in 1980.Back in 1976 it was the prince of darknes.What are we talking about?

[teag1rl]

sorry spursfan. I've tried looking at awards and things like that-but hasn't got me very far. If you do find out will you tell us all please. I'm dying to know now!

[johnalex]

Hi spursfan - Glad to see you've reposted your Q more visibly - here's hoping you get a result. (1996 violinist could be Vanessa-Mae who received a Brit Award). ja

[crofter]

I think it will be something like Derby winners going back in time. I'll keep looking!

However, do note that the date for your "precious lump" was earlier given as 1989 (not 1998)

[spursfan]

Apologies for typo.

Precious should read 1989 not 1998

[Trojanfarce]

I think I've got it (said he being quite pleased with himself!!!)

I think it's Embassy World Snooker Champions with the clues relating to their nicknames.

2005 Shaun Murphy (The Magician)

2001 Ronnie 'Rocket' O'Sullivan

2000 Mark Williams (The Sprog)

1996 Stephen Hendry (The Maestro)

1991 John Parrott (The Entertainer)

1989 Steve Davies (The Nugget)

1980 Cliff Thorburn (The Grinder - admittedly this is the only one I can't match to the clue, perhaps someone else will know?)

1976 Ray Reardon (Dracula)

[crofter]

Trojanfarce. That was a trojan effort and no farce!

For the sake of completeness, I offer the following:

1998 John Higgins is aka the WIZARD of Wishaw! (sorcerer)

1997 Ken Doherty is aka KEN-DO (Martial Art)

1980 Cliff Thorburn is aka the GRINDER (a large crust sandwich which takes much chewing)

What a good Question that was! And a great answer!

[Trojanfarce]

Nice one Crofter. I must confess it was your post about Derby winners that sent me off on this route! On a site I was looking at, I saw a reference to a jockey's nickname, and thought about the 'precious lump' reference which I thought was Nugget,so went to the BBC SPof the Y lists but as that didn't pan out, thought about snooker. Have to give you an assist on this one!!

[johnalex]

Well done Trojanfarce and Crofter! I have to confess I was well and truly snookered on this one . . .

[crofter]

I am happy to accept the assist - but you are too generous Trojanfarce ... and I like your comment johnalex.

Notice spursfan how johnalex can whip up support for a good cause!

In a few weeks time, I will have been on Answerbank a full year - and this is my one thousandth assist!

[spursfan]

Many thanks to all concerned,especially Trojanfarce.As you say a great question and very well solved

[Trojanfarce]

Aw shucks........ :)