Bodhana Sivanandan: The 10-Year-Old Who Made History at the British Chess Championship

The 2025 British Chess Championship, held in Hull, England, was set to be a showcase of the country’s finest talent — from seasoned grandmasters to ambitious juniors. Yet no one anticipated that the biggest headline would come from a 10-year-old.

During the classical tournament, Bodhana Sivanandan, one of England’s brightest young prodigies, stunned the chess community by defeating Grandmaster Peter Wells — a respected veteran known for his decades of contributions to English chess through competition, books, and coaching.

This wasn’t a quick blitz upset. It was a full-length classical game, the purest test of endurance and positional understanding. With calm precision, Bodhana outplayed Wells, making her the youngest female player ever to defeat a GM in classical chess — a record that could stand for years to come.

Chess.com described the moment as “a landmark game that will be remembered in British chess history.”

Why This GM Victory Really Matters

On the surface, beating a GM is about prestige and rating points. But Bodhana’s achievement has far deeper significance:

- For Women’s Chess: It sends a powerful message that the future of English women’s chess is strong, with juniors ready to challenge the established elite.
- For Junior Players: It’s living proof that age is no barrier when talent, preparation, and determination meet.
- For the Chess Community: GM Peter Wells is respected worldwide for his positional mastery. Bodhana showed not just courage, but maturity beyond her years by converting small advantages into victory.

As one commentator put it: “This isn’t just an upset — it’s the kind of win that changes how opponents prepare for her from now on.”

Replay the Magic at Home

To truly appreciate the magnitude of Bodhana’s achievement, one of the best exercises is to replay her victory move by move. While online replays are useful, nothing compares to the tactile learning of shifting pieces on a physical board — the way masters have studied games for centuries.

A Royal Bishop marble chess set transforms this into an elegant ritual. Imagine holding the decisive knight that tilted the balance in Bodhana’s favor, or replaying the quiet positional buildup that forced a grandmaster into trouble. The weight of the marble, the shine of the squares — it all deepens the connection to the game.

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Learning from the Game with Royal Bishop Sets

One of the most effective ways to study a historic match like Bodhana’s victory is to replay it on a physical chessboard. Moving the pieces by hand makes strategic ideas easier to grasp and helps build memory in a way that screen-based play cannot.

Different board sizes can influence how comfortably you learn:

• A 10-Inch Marble Chess Set offers a compact option, making it easy for juniors or students to review games on a desk or study table.

• The 12-Inch Marble Chess Set strikes a balance, giving enough space for clarity while still being convenient for everyday home practice.

• For deeper analysis or club-level study, a 15-Inch Marble Chess Set provides the most immersive experience, with commanding presence and room to visualize complex positions.

By replaying Bodhana’s game on a handcrafted marble board, players of all levels can sharpen their understanding, appreciate the flow of classical play, and connect more closely with the art of chess.

A Historic Milestone, A Lasting Inspiration

The 2025 British Chess Championship will be remembered for the day a 10-year-old redefined what’s possible. Bodhana Sivanandan’s victory over Peter Wells was more than an upset — it was a landmark in British chess.

At Royal Bishop, we honor such moments of courage and skill. With a handcrafted marble chess set, you can create lasting stories of your own — set up the board, make your move, and play your part in chess history.