10-Year-Old Bodhana Sivanandan Wins UK Women’s Blitz Chess Championship

Bodhana Sivanandan Clinches UK Women’s Blitz Chess Title

Ten-year-old chess sensation Bodhana Sivanandan , an Indian-origin British player, has captured national attention after winning the UK Women’s Blitz Championship held in Leamington Spa. Displaying remarkable maturity and speed on the board, she finished the tournament with 13.5 points out of 15 , outperforming a field dominated by veteran competitors and former champions.

Dominant Performance Against Experienced Players

In a star-studded field that included leading women’s players, Sivanandan delivered one strong performance after another. Her key victory came against former champion Elmira Mirzoeva , who blundered a pawn in a winning rook endgame, allowing Bodhana to convert and extend her lead. This crucial win solidified her position at the top and showcased her exceptional endgame technique and tactical sharpness.

A Prodigy on a Record-Breaking Path

Sivanandan has had a meteoric rise in the chess world. Just weeks ago, she stunned audiences by defeating former Women’s World Champion Mariya Muzychuk at the European Club Cup in Greece, earning her first Women’s Grandmaster (WGM) norm . Earlier, she became the youngest female player to beat a grandmaster , defeating GM Peter Wells at the British Championships.

Born in London to parents from Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu , she took up chess during the COVID-19 lockdown and has rapidly climbed the ranks. She represented England at the 2024 Chess Olympiad , becoming the youngest athlete ever to represent the country in any sport.

Exam Oriented Facts

• Bodhana scored 13.5/15 to win the UK Women’s Blitz Championship.

• Youngest female player to beat a grandmaster (Peter Wells).

• Earned a WGM norm after defeating Mariya Muzychuk.

• Represented England at the 2024 Chess Olympiad at age nine.