A Historic Victory in Chess
In a groundbreaking moment for chess, 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan has become the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster. The British chess prodigy achieved this milestone at the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool, where she beat 60-year-old grandmaster Pete Wells in the final round.
Breaking a Global Record
At just 10 years, five months, and three days old, Sivanandan shattered the previous record set by American player Carissa Yip in 2019. Yip had achieved her grandmaster victory at 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days. The International Chess Federation (FIDE) confirmed the historic achievement, placing Sivanandan in the global spotlight.
Rising Through the Chess Ranks
Following her victory, Sivanandan has now secured the prestigious title of Woman International Master, just one step below the Woman Grandmaster rank. The ultimate title in chess remains Grandmaster, held by elite players such as current world champion Gukesh Dommaraju and global icon Magnus Carlsen.
A Passion Sparked in Childhood
Remarkably, chess did not run in her family. Her father told the BBC last year that no one in their household had ever excelled at the game. Sivanandan’s interest began during the Covid pandemic, when she was just five. A gifted bag of toys and books from a family friend contained a chessboard that first caught her eye.
From Toys to Triumph
What began as curiosity quickly turned into dedication. “I wanted to use the pieces as toys,” she recalled in an interview. “Instead, my dad encouraged me to play, and that’s where it all started.” Her journey from playful fascination to historic achievement has now inspired young players worldwide.
Stay tuned to Maple Wire for more inspiring stories shaping tomorrow’s world.
