Witches and wizards have been clashing broomsticks ever since the Harry Potter books first introduced us to Quidditch. Now Pottie schoolboy Ryan Quinn, 10, has won the chance to represent his country in the International Quidditch World Cup. Ryan hasn't learnt to fly a real broomstick but will battle his way through the competition on a computer. After a tough battle to become the UK representative, Ryan has already won the honour of being immortalized in a picture on the wall in Hogwarts within the Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban computer and video game, due for release next summer. And if he beats off competition from around the globe, he will also win the trophy and title of Interactive Quidditch World Champion. The grand final will be held at the Tower of London on 21 December where twelve Quidditch champion players from around the world, including Japan, Australia, France, Spain and the USA, will all don their national team robes at the knockout competition. Ryan, Houghton le Spring, said: ""I think it will be tough because there was a lot of good competitors in the regional heat. "I entered the competition because I love the game and it would be thrilling if I took the world champion title. It will be great to go to London as well and the Tower of London. "I beat a boy from Scotland in the semi and a lad from down south in the final. I got on really well with both of them and it's a shame only one of us could win but I'm glad it's me. "I am a massive Harry Potter fan and I also love computer games so this is a great combination for me. I'm really excited about the final." Following seven regional heats across the UK, 21 finalists earned their place at a specially created national final event held at the design studio where the Harry Potter: Quidditch World Cup computer and video game was created in Chertsey, Surrey. More than one hundred friends and family members turned out to cheer along the finalists, and many of the guests also came dressed in their own specially made wizard costumes at the themed studio surroundings. After a series of gripping heats and semi-finals, two players grabbed their broomsticks and took part in a fast and furious aerial competition high above the Quidditch pitch on the Nintendo Gamecube. Ryan secured his place in the final with a dare devil display of high flying moves and a heroic dive to capture the Golden Snitch and become the first place winner.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article