On January 8th, FIDE Master Asa Hoffmann, a veteran tournament player and fixture on the New York City chess scene since the 1960’s, won the Friday Night Rapids at the Marshall Chess Club. This marked the sixth decade in which has won the event (or the corresponding “twin” Friday Night Rapids at the Manhattan Chess Club). Asa was a sparring partner of Fischer, Lombardy, Bisguier, Zuckerman, et al, but none of them can make that claim. This might be a unique accomplishment!
Unique or otherwise, it’s a fine accomplishment for the chess gladiator.