University Challenge: Reading enters final

Reading will compete in the final of University Challenge for the first time after emerging victorious from its semi-final clash on Monday 29 March.

Reading’s team beat the University of Edinburgh by 145 points to 115 in the iconic BBC Two quiz show, demonstrating their trademark teamwork and quickfire buzzing once again.

Team captain Michael Hutchinson and teammates Kira Bishop, Sylvian Jesudoss and Margaret Ounsley now face a tantalising rematch in the Grand Final with Imperial College London, who beat them in one of their quarter-final matches.

Professor Parveen Yaqoob, Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the University of Reading, said: “We are immensely proud of our team for their stunning run on University Challenge.

“They have made history by reaching the final, but best of all they have done so by demonstrating Reading values of partnership, mutual respect and support, and passion for their subjects.”

Social media was awash with praise for the team’s performance after the nail-biting semi-final aired. Viewers commented on their consultative style as well as the endless knowledge of Michael Hutchinson and Margaret Ounsley in particular.

Join us for our finale viewing party on Monday 4 April 5pm to 10pm, Mojos RUSU

No booking necessary. Free to attend. Food and drink available. Screening starts at 8.30pm.

Reading’s run began with a first round victory over University of Strathclyde and second round win against University of Dundee. Needing two quarter-final wins from three attempts, Reading beat University of Birmingham and St John’s, Cambridge, either side of the Imperial loss, to set up its first ever semi-final against University of Edinburgh.

The final will be broadcast on BBC Two on Monday April 4 at 8.30pm.