#wycc2014 #TeamUSA When Justin Friedlander wins a chess match hes that much closer to his dream of becoming a chess grandmaster. That may not mean much to you, until you learn this chess player is only 8-years-old and hes set to represent the United States in the World Youth Chess Championships in Durban, South Africa, this month. When this young phenom isnt busy trouncing his opponents, hes helping to teach them. Between all his practice coaching others and his many competitions, Justin admits he always sees five moves ahead. Watch the video above to see some of his best chess moves. To prepare for the World Youth Chess Championships, Justin has been playing and studying chess every day for the past two weeks, instead of his usual three times a week. He started playing at age 4 after watching his older brother play in the schools chess club. He soon began entering tournaments by Phoenixs Chess Emporium and taking private lessons at Unity Chess Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. While he has an obvious love for the game, his father just wants him to be happy. I want to see Justin do his best, says dad, Robert Friedlander, who admits neither of his sons got their chess prowess from him. Theres no doubt in dads mind that Justin will do great. However, it will be a challenging event for the elementary school student. The 10-day youth tournament consists of 11 matches featuring 180 Americans and more than 1,500 chess players from around the world. Through it all, though, hes keeping his eye on the big picture. I want to be the world champ, he says. The Friedlanders are holding fundraisers to help pay for the cost of Justins trip to South Africa. If you want to contribute, or learn more about the tournament, contact helpjustinwin@gmailor log into justinchess.usatoday/story/news/nation-now/2014/09/08/inspiration-nation-child-chess-phenom/15286265/
Posted on: Mon, 08 Sep 2014 18:53:27 +0000
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