Chess Prodigy Overpowers Grandmaster, Sets New Record
Ten-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan from northwest London made history at the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool, becoming the youngest female player ever to defeat a grandmaster. Sivanandan's opponent was 60-year-old Grandmaster Pete Wells.
Sivanandan's journey into the world of chess began at the age of five during the Covid pandemic. Her parents, who are not chess players themselves, were amazed by her talent and have no background in the sport. Neither of Sivanandan's parents nor any relatives have an interest in chess or have participated in tournaments.
Sivanandan's father, Siva, gave her chess pieces as toys and encouraged her to play. However, the origin of her chess talent remains a mystery to her parents. Sivanandan's mother, an engineering graduate, also lacks chess skills. Despite this, they have supported her passion for the game.
In August 2025, Sivanandan earned the title of Woman International Master (WIM), which is the second-highest title for female players after grandmaster. Her British Championship win also secured her WIM norms and significant rating improvements. Sivanandan has been considered an extraordinary talent from a very young age and has set multiple records. She has also become the youngest person to achieve the title of International Master.
Sivanandan's victory broke the previous record held by American Carissa Yip, who was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days old when she defeated a grandmaster in 2019. Sivanandan was 10 years, 5 months, and 3 days old at the time of her victory.
Sivanandan finds chess enjoyable and believes it helps with math and arithmetic. She hopes to become a Grandmaster in the future. Her record-breaking victory has put her at the forefront of young chess talents worldwide.
[1] British Chess Championships 2025 Results [2] Carissa Yip's Record-Breaking Victory [3] Bodhana Sivanandan's Chess Journey [4] Youngest Chess Prodigy Makes History at British Chess Championships 2025
Sports and chess were integral parts of Bodhana Sivanandan's journey, transitioning from playing with toys as a young child to making history at the 2025 British Chess Championships. Despite her parents having no background in the sport or any interest in chess, Sivanandan's passion for sports, particularly chess, continued to flourish.
