Bodhana Sivanandan becomes youngest woman to beat a grandmaster as Adams seals ninth British Championship
Liverpool, UK – Ten-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan stunned the British Chess Championship in Liverpool by defeating a grandmaster in a classical game, a milestone that makes her the youngest-ever woman to beat a grandmaster and also secures her final Woman International Master norm at the age of 10 years, five months and three days. In the same event, veteran Michael Adams battled through a three-way playoff to clinch his ninth British Championship title.
Bodhana’s historic milestone and WIM norm
Bodhana’s remarkable run at the 111th British Championship culminated in a 5/9 score in the Championship group, earning her the final WIM norm needed to complete the title. She gained 24 rating points from the performance and finished tied for 26th in the field, marking another extraordinary achievement for the rising star. This record places her as the youngest player ever to reach the WIM title, surpassing the previous record held by Zhansaya Abdumalik, who achieved the title at 11 years and five months.
The most talked-about moment came in the final round when Bodhana defeated seasoned grandmaster Peter Wells in a dramatic game that left commentators marveling at her poise and resourcefulness. Commentator Danny Gormally summed up the moment, asking, “How on earth did she win this? She must be some kind of magician.” Wells later acknowledged the heartbreak on social media, noting how a few missed opportunities near the end of the game had undermined his chances.
Chess historians and analysts noted that Bodhana’s victory is not only a national milestone but also a notable entry in the record books for women in classical competition. Chess.com research highlighted her as the youngest girl to defeat a grandmaster in a classical game, a landmark given that the younger precedents in this area were achieved in non-FIDE-rated events.
Beyond the record, Bodhana has spoken of big ambitions, including a stated goal of becoming world champion one day. Her performances continue to place her at the forefront of a new generation of British talent.
Adams clinches a dramatic ninth title
In the men’s Championship group, it was Michael Adams who ultimately stood tallest after a tense nine-round Swiss format. Tied on seven points with UK stalwart Stuart Conquest and IM Peter Roberson, Adams advanced through a rapid playoff against his two rivals to secure the title. He took the £5,000 first prize and extended his national championship record with nine titles, putting him just behind Jonathan Penrose’s all-time British record of ten titles.
Adams reflected on his performance, acknowledging that his games in the event did not feel as sharp as in the English Championship but praising the depth of the field and the strength of the up-and-coming players. “At this stage, any success I have seems like it could be the last,” he told Chess.com, emphasizing the blend of veteran experience and rising young talent in the field.
Women’s title and other highlights
In the women’s section, Lan Yao and Elmira Mirzoeva shared the title after both finishing on 6/9. The Championship drew more than 1,000 players across multiple age and rating-restricted groups, with the main event featuring 69 players, including 14 grandmasters and 18 international masters.
Among the rising stars, 11-year-old Supratit Banerjee earned his first IM norm with a score of 6/9, pulling off notable victories over Mark Hebden and Simon Williams. Banerjee’s performance also featured a marathon eighth-round game that ended in a dramatic 145-move draw after a long struggle.
A broader look at British chess’s future
The British Championship coincided with renewed government backing for the game. Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced a £1.5 million package aimed at identifying, supporting, and developing top-tier players who can compete globally, following a previous $1.25 million boost in 2023. The government’s commitment has been framed as a long-term investment in youth development, in part to build on recent successes such as Shreyas Royal becoming Britain’s youngest-ever grandmaster.
Industry figures, including Malcolm Pein of the English Chess Federation, praised the renewed support and the organizational strength of the Liverpool event, calling it one of the most successful British Championships in recent memory. The 2026 British Championship is already scheduled to take place in Coventry, signaling ongoing growth for the national game.
Why this matters and what’s next
The event underscored a clear trend: a surge of prodigious young players alongside seasoned veterans is reshaping British chess’s landscape. Bodhana’s breakthrough is a landmark that could inspire a new generation of players, while Adams’s sustained excellence demonstrates how experience and strategic depth still determine the top prize in a highly competitive field.
Looking ahead, Bodhana’s path will be watched closely as she continues to pursue higher titles, potentially targeting further norms on the road to full WGM status and beyond. The government’s backing, combined with a thriving domestic circuit and high-visibility media coverage, positions British chess for continued growth and more momentous breakthroughs from young talents in the years ahead. The sport’s expansion in the UK could help translate these talents into a stronger global presence.
Summary and outlook
– Bodhana Sivanandan, at 10 years old, becomes the youngest-ever woman to beat a grandmaster in a classical game and completes her WIM title with this British Championship performance.
– Michael Adams wins his ninth British Championship after a rapid playoff, reinforcing his place in the annals of British chess.
– The event showcased rising stars such as Supratit Banerjee, who earned his first IM norm, and highlighted strong performances from female players Lan Yao and Elmira Mirzoeva.
– Government backing for chess and a vibrant domestic scene point to a bright future for British chess, with Coventry already announced as the host for 2026.