During the opening round of the European Chess Club Cup in Greece, 10-year-old chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan secured a remarkable victory against former women’s world champion Mariya Muzychuk. The young talent, who has already become a household name in the chess world, delivered a near-perfect game that left experts and peers in awe. This achievement is a significant milestone in Sivanandan’s already impressive career.
Sivanandan’s journey into chess began during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when she was just five years old. Since then, she has rapidly advanced, becoming the youngest female to defeat a grandmaster in 2024. Her recent victory over Muzychuk, a former world champion, has further solidified her reputation as a prodigious talent. Chess experts have noted the near-perfect nature of her game, highlighting her strategic brilliance and tactical acumen.
Grandmaster David Howell commended Sivanandan’s win on social media, calling it an ‘incredible win’ and emphasizing its rarity. The 10-year-old expressed her excitement about the victory but also her determination to continue improving. She shared her thoughts with The Times, stating that her goal is to keep winning and inspiring others through her achievements. Her aspirations are not just personal; they aim to motivate a broader audience, especially young players who may see her as a role model.
Earlier this summer, Sivanandan made history by defeating Grandmaster Peter Wells, a 60-year-old player, in the final round of the 2025 British Chess Championships. This victory set a new record for the youngest female to achieve such a feat, surpassing the previous record held by Carissa Yip in 2019. The International Chess Federation has recognized her contributions to the sport, acknowledging her as a trailblazer in the game. With her talent and dedication, Sivanandan’s future in chess looks exceedingly bright, and her story continues to inspire new generations of players, proving that age is just a number in the world of chess.