Team Open will be playing for their place in University Challenge Series 30 as they face Christ Church, Oxford on Monday 4 March 2024 at 8.30pm (GMT).
Team Open are facing a play-off match against Christ Church, Oxford in their second quarter-final on University Challenge Series 30. The match will air on Monday 4 March at 8.30pm (GMT) on BBC Two.
The team impressed in their first quarter-final match of the series, but ultimately did not secure the win, scoring 170 points to Trinity College, Cambridge's 190 points. It was a competitive match with Team Open getting off to a leading start, securing 70 points to Trinity's -5 in the opening five minutes. Despite the loss, it was a fantastic team performance with all team members getting at least one starter question correct. You can catch up on the match on BBC iPlayer (if you're in the UK with a TV Licence).
To progress to the semi-finals, Team Open need to win two matches in the quarter-finals (to be knocked out, they must lose two matches). Having lost one match, they will therefore play Christ Church, Oxford for their place in the competition. If they win, they will play a third quarter-final.
Reaching the quarter-finals is a brilliant achievement. This is the furthest a Team Open has reached in University Challenge since the team of David Good, John Burke, Sue Mitchell and Lance Haward won in 1999 (find out more on our history on University Challenge here).
Yet despite this achievement, and no matter the result on 4 March, Team Open 2024 are a fantastic representation of OU students and have done our student community proud. Their speedy buzzing, team spirit and broad knowledge has been evident throughout the series. A big congratulations goes to Ellie Romans, Mike Holt, Ann Gavaghan, James Davidson and reserve member Nicky.
As team member Mike told us: "Getting to be part of such an iconic programme is a real privilege and a once in a lifetime opportunity".
We will be live tweeting the match on our page here and hope you will join us in cheering on Team Open on 4 March!
You can find out more about the team on our 'Meet the team' page and catch up on their story so far on The Hoot.