When I was an ICCF player in the 80's and 90's I had the honor of corresponding with Max Zavanelli, ICCF US secretary. "Max the Axe" as he was known took a hard line on American correspondence players who dropped out of chess tournaments for no good reason. As a result of Max's policies, America was left with a smaller, but more disciplined group of American CC players whose results in international tournaments were a marked improvement from previous years. Max was always friendly, and respected me as one of those mid level players that could be depended on to finish what he started. Mr. Zavanelli passed away January 27th, 2018.

Max Zavanelli: 1946-2018 Rest in peace my friend


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http://www.uschess.org/cc/absolute/zavanellibio.php