<p><br /> Hundreds of Harry Potter fans have hopped on their broomsticks and flown to New York City's "Quidditch World Cup."<br /> </p><p><br /> The mythical game from the popular novels by J.K. Rowling has inspired college students to take part in the broom-straddling challenge with participants from various college teams competing.<br /> </p><p><br /> Players warmed up on the field, as others stood on the sidelines cheering on their teams as preparations got underway for the ball-and-broomstick match.<br /> </p><p><br /> Each team consists of 12 to 15 players, seven of whom are on the field at a time. They include a "keeper" to defend the hoops through which scores are made; "chasers" whose job it is to put the quaffle through the hoops; and "beaters" who throw balls called "bludgers" at their opponents.<br /> </p><p><br /> There is also a "seeker" who chases the elusive "golden snitch" around the field during the game. The capture of the snitch, usually after about 15 minutes, signals the end of the game.<br /> </p><p><br /> As two teams competed, crowds cheered as they watched some exciting plays.<br /> </p><p><br /> The unofficial purple NYU team managed to score the final point for their match, while the crowd erupted with cheers.<br /> </p><p><br /> The seven wildly popular books have sold more than 400 million copies worldwide and spawned a movie franchise that has earned billions of dollars.<br /> </p><p><br /> The latest installment, "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Part. 1" will open in cinemas in the US on November 19.<br /> </p>
