The chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan, an 11-year-old from Harrow, England, made history by defeating a 2600-rated grandmaster, breaking a world age record that stood for 38 years. This remarkable achievement occurred during the Dole Trophy in Aix-en-Provence, where she outplayed France’s top grandmaster Marc'Andria Maurizzi.
The Record-Breaking Victory
In the opening round, Sivanandan faced GM Marc'Andria Maurizzi, the current French champion and 2023 world under-20 junior champion. Despite being nearly 2000 rating points lower, she turned the game around after Maurizzi blundered on move 27, winning his queen for inadequate compensation. At just 11 years and four months, she surpassed the previous record held by women’s legend Judit Polgar, who defeated GM Lajos Portisch at 12 years and two months in 1988.
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How She Compares to Other Young Prodigies
Sivanandan now joins an elite group of pre-teens who have beaten GMs rated over 2600. The table below puts her accomplishment in perspective:
| Player | Age at Record | Opponent (Rating) |
|---|---|---|
| Nodirbek Abdusattorov | 9 years | GM 2600+ |
| Faustino Oro | 10 years | GM 2600+ |
| Roman Shogdzhiev | 11 years 1 month | GM 2600+ |
| Praggnanandhaa Rameshbabu | 11 years 1 month | GM 2600+ |
| Bodhana Sivanandan | 11 years 4 months | GM Marc'Andria Maurizzi (2628) |
Continued Success at the Dole Open
After the historic win, Sivanandan lost in round two but bounced back with a draw against GM Maxim Rodshtein (peak rating 2710). By round six, she had scored three points and was in contention for her second women’s grandmaster norm. She already earned her first WGM norm at age 10 at the same tournament in 2025 – another world age record.
Key Takeaways from Bodhana Sivanandan’s Rise
- Youngest girl ever to defeat a 2600+ rated grandmaster – at 11 years 4 months.
- Surpassed Judit Polgar’s record that stood for 38 years.
- Already holds a WGM norm and is chasing her second of three needed for the women’s grandmaster title.
- Demonstrates extraordinary composure against higher-rated opponents.
- Part of a growing trend of record-breaking young chess talents globally.
FAQ About Bodhana Sivanandan and the Record
Who is Bodhana Sivanandan?
Bodhana Sivanandan is an 11-year-old chess prodigy from Harrow, England, known for breaking world age records and earning norms toward the women’s grandmaster title.
What record did she break?
She became the youngest girl ever to defeat a grandmaster rated over 2600, surpassing Judit Polgar’s 38-year-old record.
Is she the youngest ever to beat a 2600+ GM?
No, five pre-teens have done it at younger ages – Nodirbek Abdusattorov (9), Faustino Oro (10), Roman Shogdzhiev and Praggnanandhaa (both 11 yrs 1 mo). But she is the youngest girl.
How many norms does she need for the WGM title?
She needs three WGM norms and already has one from earlier in 2025. She is working toward her second norm at the Dole Open.
Bodhana Sivanandan’s journey is a testament to the rising standard of chess among young girls. With her combination of tactical vision and resilience, she is on track to become one of the strongest female players in history.
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