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.

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Surrey Set to Become Canada’s Chess Capital

For the first time in more than a decade, British Columbia will host Canada’s most prestigious chess championships. Over 700 top-tier players are expected to gather at the Sheraton Vancouver Guildford Hotel in Surrey this July for two major national tournaments.

Event Details and Timing

From July 8 to 11, the 2025 Canadian Youth Chess Championship (CYCC) will see more than 500 young players compete across 12 divisions defined by age and gender. Following that, the 2025 Canadian Open will take place from July 12 to 18, welcoming approximately 200 additional players, both adults and juniors.

Organizers and Background

The national events are co-chaired by Victoria Doknjas and Tyler Sanderson, who secured the hosting bid in 2023. According to Doknjas, “It has been over a decade since these national chess championships have been hosted in B.C.” The organizing effort reflects a resurgence in competitive chess activity across Western Canada.

What’s at Stake for Competitors

Youth tournament winners will earn the chance to represent Team Canada at the upcoming World Youth and World Cadet Chess Championships. The Open event will feature internationally acclaimed players, raising the competition stakes significantly.

High-Level Talent Expected

Headlining the Open is chess grandmaster Gergely Szabo, head coach of Team Canada. He’ll be joined by 2022 World U18 Champion and Canadian grandmaster Shawn Rodrigue-Lemieux, as well as U.S. Olympiad veteran James Tarjan. B.C.’s top contenders, including current provincial champion John Doknjas, will also compete.

Community Support and Broader Vision

The tournaments are supported by the Juniors to Masters Chess Academy, the Chess Federation of Canada’s official training provider. Local non-profit Vancity Chess is also promoting the event and working to foster inclusive and diverse engagement in the regional chess scene.

Legacy and Next Moves

Beyond the 10-day competition, the event marks a milestone in building a stronger national chess presence in British Columbia. Organizers hope the spotlight will encourage more youth participation and cement Surrey’s reputation as a hub for high-level chess in Canada.

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