10-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Becomes the Youngest Female to Defeat a Grandmaster Summary: A Stellar Moment in Chess History Ten-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan, a chess prodigy from Harrow, London, shattered records when she triumphed over Grandmaster Peter Wells at the 2025 British Chess Championships in Liverpool. At just 10 years, 5 months, and 3 days old, she claimed the title of youngest female player ever to beat a grandmaster—beating the previous record held by Carissa Yip by over six months. The GuardianThe Times of IndiaWikipedia+1CBS NewsABCwww.ndtv.com
In doing so, she also earned her Woman International Master (WIM) title, the second-highest women’s title in chess—demonstrating both skill and composure well beyond her years. WikipediaWBZ NewsRadio 1030ABCThe GuardianFinancial Times
Why This Is a Game-Changer
Records Broken & Milestones
- Youngest female to beat a grandmaster at 10y 5m 3d, surpassing Carissa Yip (10y 11m 20d) CBS Newswww.ndtv.comWikipediaThe GuardianThe Times of India
- Achieved her final WIM norm, marking a major step toward the Woman Grandmaster title The GuardianFinancial TimesWikipedia
Composure, Skill, & Promise
Even commentators were awestruck by her maturity on the board—English Chess Federation described her as exuding “calmness and maturity,” comparing her style to legends like Magnus Carlsen and Capablanca. ABC
A Rising Star
Observers and experts—including master Malcolm Pein—point to her incredible trajectory, suggesting she could one day become world champion, or even achieve full Grandmaster status. CBS NewsNBC Chicagowww.ndtv.com
Table: Bodhana vs. Record Comparison
| Aspect | Bodhana Sivanandan | Previous Record Holder |
|---|---|---|
| Age at Achievement | 10 years, 5 months, 3 days | 10 years, 11 months, 20 days |
| Title Earned | Woman International Master (WIM) | — |
| Milestone Achieved | Youngest female to beat GM | Previous record before Bodhana |
What’s Next for Bodhana?
At ten years old, Bodhana is already a WIM, and she’s likely setting full Grandmaster goals in her sights. Given her focus, maturity, and support, the chess world eagerly awaits her next moves. With this early triumph, she’s not just part of history—she’s shaping the future of the game.
Further Reading
For comprehensive coverage of the British Chess Championship and rising chess stars, check out more from The Guardian’s sports section—they provide great analysis of tournament dynamics and emerging talent.
Let’s Wrap It Up
- Historic Win: Youngest female to defeat a grandmaster in classical chess.
- New Title: Earned Woman International Master—a milestone in its own right.
- Bright Future: With talent, poise, and ambition, she’s on a path toward chess greatness.
Isn’t it astonishing how a ten-year-old can make such huge waves in the chess universe? What do you think—will she become the first teenage female Grandmaster? Let’s keep this conversation going—drop your thoughts or share the excitement with fellow chess lovers!
