10-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Shocks the World by Defeating Grandmaster!
Can you believe it? A 10-year-old girl just made history by defeating a chess grandmaster!
Bodhana Sivanandan, a junior chess player from Britain, has become the youngest female ever to beat a grandmaster, achieving this incredible feat at the 2025 British Chess Championships held in Liverpool. Imagine stepping onto the board against a 60-year-old grandmaster, Peter Wells, and not only holding your ground but ultimately claiming victory.
This wasn’t a mere fluke; Bodhana is a talent that radiates calmness and maturity, according to Tim Wall, the director of Junior Chess at the English Chess Federation. Her remarkable win at just 10 years, five months, and three days blew away the previous record set in 2019 by American Carissa Yip, who achieved her grandmaster victory at 10 years, 11 months.
The title of grandmaster is no small achievement; it's the highest honor in chess, one that players retain for life. Following her unprecedented victory, Bodhana received the title of woman international master, placing her just one step below the grandmaster level.
Despite her youth, Bodhana has set ambitious goals for herself, expressing her desire to become a grandmaster one day. Her father, Siva, humorously shared that the family was completely taken aback by her extraordinary talent, as neither he nor his wife were particularly skilled at chess.
But let’s not forget, Bodhana’s path to victory was anything but straightforward. During parts of the match, it appeared as though Wells had the upper hand. Yet, with calm and calculated moves, our young prodigy turned the tide in her favor. As Danny Gormally, a commentator for the English Chess Federation, observed during the live stream, “How on earth did she win this? She must be some kind of magician.” He noted her preference for simple, positional moves that ultimately allowed her to outplay her opponents as the game progressed.
This remarkable victory not only showcases Bodhana's exceptional talent but also serves as an inspiration to young chess players worldwide. Her journey reminds us that age is just a number when it comes to achieving greatness.
