Eleven-year-old British chess sensation Bodhana Sivanandan has captivated the chess world, seizing the top spot in the UK rankings after an extraordinary start to 2026. This monumental achievement has been proudly announced by the English Chess Federation. Her list of groundbreaking accomplishments already includes, at the remarkable age of ten, becoming the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster and the youngest ever to secure a Woman Grandmaster (WGM) norm. Bodhana’s meteoric rise and unparalleled talent point towards a future brimming with even greater triumphs. Many are already predicting that her remarkable story will inspire a Netflix documentary within the next few years.
By Connor Westbrook
Connor Westbrook brings his dynamic energy to Liverpool's sports scene, where he's been making waves in sports journalism for the past eight years. With a background in semi-professional football, he offers unique insights into the tactical aspects of the game.