This picture was just sent to me. On the far side is Ettie Nikolova (VA rep for the 2004 SP National Invitational). Ettie actually finished as the top female player at the 2004 US Open. Unfortunately, Ettie did not pay the $75 fee to the AF4C and that’s why she did not receive a spot in the US Championship.
In the blue sweat is Abby Marshall (SP National Invitational winner in 2005 & 2006).
They faced each other in round 4 on board 1 at the 2006 Virginia Closed State Championship! They drew and both finished in a tie for second and both broke the 2000 rating mark. Congratulations!
Thanks Jeff for the picture and story! 
Chess Daily News from Susan Polgar
Thanks Susan for everything you do for these girls.
Alright, girls! What a great turnout. This just confirms that girls can play chess well.
That fee is unfair!!! We already pay to join USCF and pay to enter tournaments where we dont even get the full prize due to the open section skimming the other sections for prizes.
Pay pay pay. Why is chess always about the $$$ and not about the chess?
I believe the worlds best player is some unknown someplace that can’t afford to travel like Kramnik or Garry do. Am I crazy?
-a poor patzer
Dear Susan, I learned to play last year. My dad is a very fast learner, and in 3 tournaments, he already had a rating of 1837! I started out as a 1087, but I am decreasing because I don’t seem to have time to practice! Sometimes I feel I should just quit, but dad sas I have potential to represent Arkansas in the Polgar tournament. I sure hope so! I wish I were just like the Polgar sisters.