8-year-old schoolgirl triumphs best female player at European chess championships after beating a master 30 years older than her

In a remarkable feat, Bodhana Sivanandan, an eight-year-old schoolgirl from Harrow in northwest London, has claimed the title of the best female chess player in Europe. Her triumph took place at the European Rapid and Blitz championship held in Zagreb, Croatia.

Commencing her chess journey at the tender age of five during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sivanandan displayed extraordinary prowess. Notably, she outplayed England’s women’s coach, Lorin D’Costa, a 39-year-old international master, in a thrilling encounter during the penultimate round.

Sivanandan’s remarkable performance in the 13-round blitz and a solid 5/11 result in the rapid round left fellow competitors and chess enthusiasts in awe. Irina Bulmaga, a Romanian international master and woman grandmaster, hailed Sivanandan’s achievement as “unbelievable” and a phenomenon, considering her age and competition experience.

The young prodigy is set to face Vladislav Nevednichy, a two-time Romanian champion, in the final round, further solidifying her position as an exceptional talent in the chess world.

Chess commentator and international master Lawrence Trent expressed admiration for Sivanandan’s maturity of play, describing her as one of the greatest talents witnessed in recent memory. Dominic Lawson, president of the English Chess Federation, emphasized the extraordinary nature of Sivanandan’s accomplishment, praising her strategic and patient playing style.

Sivanandan’s triumph not only marks a historic moment for the young prodigy but also positions her as a potential future chess icon, with experts predicting a bright future for her in the world of chess.