10-year-old British chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan stuns the world by defeating grandmaster Pete Wells at the 2025 British Chess Championships, breaking a historic record and earning the Woman International Master title.
Bodhana Sivanandan Makes Chess History as Youngest Female to Defeat a Grandmaster
Bodhana Sivanandan, the 10-year-old British chess prodigy, has captured global attention by becoming the youngest female chess player to defeat a grandmaster. At just 10 years, five months, and three days old, she claimed victory over grandmaster Pete Wells in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool, securing her place in chess history.
This extraordinary feat breaks the record previously held by American chess sensation Carissa Yip, who was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days old when she defeated a grandmaster in 2019. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has officially recognized Sivanandan’s record-breaking win.
Breaking a Six-Year-Old Chess Record
In the competitive world of chess, victories against grandmasters are rare, especially for young players. Bodhana Sivanandan’s win surpasses a milestone that had stood for six years, inspiring a new generation of girls in competitive chess.
Her triumph earned her the Woman International Master (WIM) title, a prestigious step toward the Woman Grandmaster title. These titles are benchmarks of excellence in the sport, placing her in the company of iconic names like Judit Polgar, Hou Yifan, Magnus Carlsen, and current world champion Gukesh Dommaraju.
From Pandemic Hobby to Chess Glory
Remarkably, Bodhana Sivanandan began playing chess only during the Covid-19 pandemic. At age five, one of her father’s friends gifted the family a box of toys and books — among them, a chess set.
Her father told the BBC in 2024:
“Nobody at all in our family excelled at chess before Bodhana.”
In just five years, she has transformed from a beginner to one of the most promising UK chess talents, proving that passion, discipline, and access to the right opportunities can lead to extraordinary results.
A Mature Playing Style Beyond Her Years
Chess analysts have described Bodhana Sivanandan’s style as fearless yet calculated. She balances tactical sharpness with deep positional understanding, something usually seen in far more experienced players.
Grandmaster Pete Wells acknowledged her skill, saying:
“She spotted opportunities most players her age — and even some adults — would have missed. It’s a sign of a truly great player in the making.”
Global Recognition and Support
The chess world has been quick to recognize Bodhana Sivanandan’s talent. World champion Gukesh Dommaraju called her win “inspiring for young girls everywhere,” while Judit Polgar, the greatest female player in history, praised her bravery and vision at the board on social media.
UK chess organizations are already offering her advanced coaching, sponsorship opportunities, and invitations to compete in more international open tournaments.
Why This Win Matters for Women in Chess
Women remain underrepresented in the highest levels of chess. Wins like Bodhana Sivanandan’s send a powerful message that young female chess players can not only compete but excel at the highest levels.
Her achievement is a rallying point for inspiring young chess players and breaking gender barriers in the sport — much like Judit Polgar did decades ago.
Next Goal: Becoming a Grandmaster
While the Woman International Master title is a significant milestone, Bodhana Sivanandan is determined to push further. Her next goals include earning the Woman Grandmaster title and eventually the ultimate Grandmaster title.
Her coach has confirmed plans for her to compete in top-level international events to gain experience against a variety of playing styles. With her current trajectory, she could soon join the list of the youngest grandmasters in history.
Bodhana Sivanandan’s Major Achievements
| Year | Achievement | Age |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | Learned chess during Covid-19 pandemic | 5 |
| 2023 | Won British Under-12 Girls Championship | 8 |
| 2024 | Represented England in European Youth Chess Championships | 9 |
| 2025 | Defeated GM Pete Wells at British Chess Championships | 10 |
| 2025 | Awarded Woman International Master title | 10 |
Key Reasons This Victory Is Historic
- Record-breaking age—youngest female to ever beat a grandmaster.
- Rapid progress—from beginner to WIM in just five years.
- Symbol of inspiration—motivating girls to pursue chess seriously.
- International recognition—acknowledged by FIDE and top players.
FAQs About Bodhana Sivanandan
Q1: Who is Bodhana Sivanandan?
She is a British chess prodigy who became the youngest female to defeat a grandmaster.
Q2: Who did she beat to break the record?
Bodhana Sivanandan defeated grandmaster Pete Wells at the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool.
Q3: What title did she earn?
She received the Woman International Master (WIM) title from FIDE.
Q4: How old was the previous record-holder?
Carissa Yip was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days old when she defeated a grandmaster in 2019.
Q5: How did Bodhana start playing chess?
She began at age five during the Covid-19 pandemic after receiving a chess set as a gift.
Final Thoughts
Bodhana Sivanandan’s rise from a complete beginner to a history-making chess player in just five years is nothing short of remarkable. Her victory against a grandmaster at age 10 not only broke a record but also opened the door for more young female players to aim high in chess.
With her sights set on becoming a Grandmaster, the future looks bright for this inspiring young chess star. Whatever milestones she reaches next, she has already proven that age and gender are no barriers to greatness in the world of chess.