Nine-Year-Old Bodhana Sivanandan Achieves First Woman International Master Norm at European Women’s Championship

Nine-year-old chess prodigy Bodhana Sivanandan continues to make waves in the chess world, as she achieved her first woman international master norm at the European Women’s Championship in Rhodes, Greece. Sivanandan, who turned heads last year with her exceptional performances, scored 4.5 points after nine rounds, with a rating performance of 2265.

Her impressive victory against WIM Mariam Mkrtchyan and draws against higher-rated players like IM Lilit Mkrtchian, IM Gulnar Mammadova, and WGM Elvira Berend showcased her exceptional talent and understanding of the game. Sivanandan’s father, Sivanandan Velayutham, shared that she is fully enjoying her chess journey, with a focus on classical chess along with rapid and blitz formats.

In addition to her recent milestone, Sivanandan has previously made history by becoming England’s first world youth champion in 25 years and winning the women’s prize in the European Blitz Chess Championship. With her remarkable achievements at such a young age, Sivanandan is on track to become the youngest player to achieve the WIM title, following in the footsteps of GM Zhansaya Abdumalik. Keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to shine in the world of chess.