Eight-Year-Old Chess Prodigy Makes History at European Blitz Championships
A remarkable eight-year-old chess player, Bodhana Sivanandan from Harrow, North West London, has secured the title of best female player at the European blitz chess championships in Croatia.
In an incredible performance, she scored 8.5/13, surpassing seasoned professionals in the tournament renowned for its fast-paced, high-stakes matches. Bodhana's strategic and patient playing style impressed onlookers, including her draw with a grandmaster and a victory against an international master.
The European blitz championship, which is known for quick-fire moves with time constraints of just three to five minutes per game, showcased Bodhana's extraordinary talent. Her success drew praise from the chess community, with Romanian International Master Irina Bulmaga calling it an "unbelievable result" and describing Bodhana as a "phenomenon."
British International Master and commentator Lawrence Trent declared her "one of the greatest talents" he has witnessed, predicting she could become England's greatest player. Dominic Lawson, President of the English Chess Federation, echoed this sentiment, describing Bodhana's performance as "completely remarkable" and labelling her a "phenomenon."
The young prodigy, who met Rishi Sunak earlier this year at Downing Street, has ambitious goals, aspiring to become a grandmaster and England's youngest Olympic gold medallist. Bodhana's father, Siva Sivanandan, expressed pride in his daughter's dedication, emphasising her enjoyment of both chess and travel.
Bodhana's chess journey, which began at the age of five during the pandemic, has already seen her crowned as England's first world youth champion in 25 years.
Currently the world's third-highest-rated player born in 2015 in classical chess, she is set to compete at the International Chess Congress in Hastings on December 28.
