A Record-Breaking Milestone
At just 10 years old, Bodhana Sivanandan has etched her name in chess history as the youngest-ever female International Master. The British prodigy, who still uses a booster seat to see across the board, secured the title after defeating 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells at the British Chess Championships in Liverpool. Her victory not only made her the youngest girl to beat a grandmaster but also secured her final norm for the Woman International Master (WIM) title, a feat that stunned the chess world.
Rising Above the Board
Sivanandan’s ascent is made all the more remarkable by her age and stature. While many of her peers are preoccupied with schoolyard games, she relies on a booster cushion to compete at eye level with seasoned masters. She began playing chess during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020, when a family chess set sparked her interest. With no deep chess background in her family, her rapid rise has been described as nothing short of extraordinary.
Breaking Barriers in Women’s Chess
The achievement places Bodhana in rare company alongside legends like Judit Polgár and Hou Yifan, who set records of their own at young ages. Polgár, long considered the greatest female player in history, earned her international master norms at 12, while Hou Yifan became a Woman Grandmaster at 11. Sivanandan has now eclipsed both benchmarks, cementing her place as the next generational talent in women’s chess.
Looking Ahead
Though the WIM title is a major milestone, Bodhana has set her sights even higher. With a peak FIDE rating already above 2200, she has publicly expressed her ambition to one day become a full Grandmaster — the highest title in chess. In open tournaments, she has already proven her ability to hold her own against adult competitors, tying for 26th place at this year’s British Championship with a solid 5/9 score.
A Symbol Beyond the Game
Sivanandan’s rise carries meaning beyond the chessboard. In a sport where women remain underrepresented and success often comes later in life, her story is a reminder that talent knows no age or gender. Her quiet determination, paired with her visible youth — symbolized by the booster seat she still needs — makes her both relatable and inspiring. For Britain and the global chess community, she is not just a prodigy but a potential trailblazer who could redefine what is possible in the game.
