FRIENDSHIP, NY — Juliana and Sylvia Bysiek staged a simultaneous chess exhibition against 12 members of the Friendship Central School chess club. The girls alternated playing with the black and white pieces and compiled a record of 12 wins and zero losses against the club members, who ranged in age between 3rd and 10th grade.
The Bysiek twins are home schooled second graders and have been playing chess since they were four years old. They are daughters of Edward and Evelyn Bysiek of Allegany, NY, and compete in the Bradford and the Olean chess clubs.
“It was our first simul and it was so much fun,” said Sylvia.
“I really liked meeting the other kids and making friends with them,” remarked Juliana.
The girls plan on playing in numerous local, state and national tournaments over the coming months, highlighted by a trip to Philadelphia to compete in the World Open at the end of June.
The simultaneous exhibition was hosted by United States Chess Federation Master Garry Reynolds, who serves as moderator for the Friendship club.
Bradford coach Bob Ferguson commented, “The girls have both played in 30 rated U.S. Chess Federation events, and they have done an exceptional job! This is also Juliana and Sylvia’s second year of participating in the Bradford Businessmen’s Chess League, and they both finished in the top of the heap again this year. This is remarkable for kids who are so young!”
