LONDON: A 10-year-old girl from northwest London, Bodhana Sivanandan, has made history in the world of chess by defeating 60-year-old Grandmaster Pete Wells in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championship held in Liverpool.
With this remarkable victory, Sivanandan has become the youngest female player ever to defeat a Grandmaster, earning global recognition for her extraordinary achievement at such a young age.
According to the International Chess Federation, Bodhana accomplished this feat at just 10 years, 5 months, and 3 days old, breaking the previous record set by American chess player Carissa Yip, who defeated a Grandmaster at 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days in 2019.
Bodhana’s journey into chess began at the age of five. What started as a fun after-school activity soon revealed her natural talent and sharp mind. Within just a few years, she began dominating age-group tournaments across the UK and Europe. She first drew international attention when she won multiple medals at the World Cadet & Youth Chess Championships.
She is known not only for her attacking style and bold sacrifices but also for her calm composure under pressure a rare trait in players of her age. Bodhana trains regularly with top British coaches and participates in adult-rated tournaments, often beating players far older and more experienced.
With this historic win, Bodhana has now been awarded the title of Women’s International Master (WIM) an elite title that places her one step below the Woman Grandmaster (WGM) status. Her win has sent waves of excitement through the global chess community, inspiring young girls and chess fans alike.
Chess experts are already calling her a potential future Grandmaster, a title held by only a handful of women in the world.
Following her win, Bodhana is expected to receive invitations to major international tournaments, including the World Youth Chess Championships, European Women’s Championship, and perhaps even a spot in the prestigious Chess Olympiad.
Her parents and coaches have emphasized her disciplined approach, balancing school with chess and staying grounded despite her meteoric rise.
As the chess world celebrates this new milestone, Bodhana Sivanandan stands not only as a record-breaker but as a powerful symbol of what focus, support, and young talent can achieve.
