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10-Year-Old Bodhana Sivanandan Becomes Youngest Woman International Master After Defeating Grandmaster

Her recognition by FIDE with a Woman International Master title alongside a Woman Grandmaster norm earned after her win over GM Peter Wells highlights an emerging generation of exceptionally young chess talents

LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND - AUGUST 07: Bodhana Sivanandan, a nine-year-old chess prodigy, competes in the British Chess Championships at St. George's Hall on August 07, 2025 in Liverpool, England. The 111th British Chess Championships are taking place in Liverpool between 31 July to 10 August, with competitors vying for the title in the women's, men's, juniors' and over-60 groups. Organized by the English Chess Federation, the competition has been run annually - apart from war years - since 1904. (Photo by Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)
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Bodhana Sivanandan, a 10-year-old, also earned her first Woman Grandmaster norm in the event.

Overview

  • FIDE confirmed Sivanandan’s victory over Grandmaster Peter Wells at 10 years, five months and three days as the youngest female win against a grandmaster.
  • That final-round triumph at the 2025 British Chess Championships secured her third norm and made her the youngest player ever awarded the Woman International Master title.
  • She also picked up her first Woman Grandmaster norm during the same event in Liverpool.
  • Commentators lauded her calm, positional approach and knack for creating tactical pressure that forced her opponent into severe time trouble.
  • Ohio’s Keya Jha broke the youngest-female-vs-GM record in the U.S. a day later, underscoring a wider surge of teenage prodigies at elite levels.