Getting to Know: Nelson Lopez II

Nelson Lopez is a two-time K-12 State Champion and will represent North Carolina in 2006 at the Denker Tournament of State Champions. (Update: Nelson won the 2006 Denker and now attends college at the University of Texas - Dallas)

Hometown: Youngsville, N.C.

Birthdate: Jan. 28, 1988

Grade: Graduating senior

Favorite color? Blue

What is your favorite kind of food? Fried Chicken

What is your favorite drink?  Grape Juice

Who is your favorite writer?  C.S. Lewis

What was the most interesting book you have ever read?  The Bible

What is your all-time favorite movie? The Lord of the Rings

Who is your favorite actor? Denzel Washington

And your favorite actress? Liv Tyler

What is the best chess game you have ever played? Once I played a master, and trapped his queen in under 15 moves.

What is your best result ever? When I was 11, I tied for first place in the Under 1200 section at the World Open.

What was the best chess game you ever saw? My sister made a 2100 resign because he made a mistake -- and didn't realize he was only playing an 1100 rated player.

Who is your favorite chess player of all time? Mikhail Tal