Category: Chess

10-Year-Old Indian-American Bodhana Sivanandan Surprises Chess Grandmaster

Staff ReporterChess, Sports 0

A 10-year-old chess prodigy from London, Bodhana Sivanandan, has made history by becoming the youngest female player to defeat a grandmaster.

NEW DELHI – Bodhana Sivanandan, a 10-year-old chess prodigy from London, has made headlines by becoming the youngest female player ever to defeat a grandmaster. At just 10 years and five months old, she achieved this remarkable feat by defeating 60-year-old Grandmaster Peter Wells during the final round of this year’s British Chess Championships held in Liverpool.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE), the sport’s global governing body, celebrated her achievement in a recent post, stating, “British sensation Bodhana Sivanandan has made history by becoming the youngest female chess player ever to beat a grandmaster!” FIDE noted that Sivanandan’s victory narrowly surpassed the previous record set in 2019 by American Carissa Yip, who was 10 years, 11 months, and 20 days old at the time of her win.

This victory not only adds to Sivanandan’s accolades but also earns her the title of Woman International Master (WIM), which is the second-highest title awarded exclusively to women, just below that of Woman Grandmaster.

Sivanandan’s journey in chess has been nothing short of extraordinary. Earlier in 2023, she became the youngest person ever selected to represent England internationally in any sport. At the Chess Olympiad in Budapest, she played alongside teammates who were often decades older, many in their 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Malcolm Pein, manager of the England chess team, expressed his admiration for Sivanandan, stating, “Bodhana is one of the most remarkable British chess prodigies I have ever seen.” Her accomplishments at such a young age have not only inspired her peers but also garnered attention from the global chess community.

As Sivanandan continues to make strides in the chess world, her recent victory serves as a testament to her talent and dedication to the game. With her sights set on future competitions, many are eager to see how her career unfolds in the coming years.

Source: Original article

Young Indian Chess Prodigy Gukesh D Makes History, Set to Challenge World Champion in 2024 Championship

Staff ReporterChess, News, Sports 0

Teenage chess sensation Gukesh Dommaraju, known as Gukesh D, clinched victory at the men’s Candidates Tournament held in Toronto, Canada, making history as the youngest player to achieve this feat. The 17-year-old grandmaster’s triumph paves the way for a potential showdown with current world champion Ding Liren of China at the upcoming 2024 World Chess Championship. Should Gukesh emerge victorious against Ding, who has faced recent struggles with his performance, he will shatter the longstanding record held by Garry Kasparov, becoming the youngest world champion at the age of 22.

Ranked 16th globally by the International Chess Federation (FIDE), Gukesh secured his title with a comfortable draw against world number 3 Hikaru Nakamura, a seasoned player more than twice his age. Gukesh’s achievement positions him as the youngest contender ever to vie for the world chess championship, a milestone he acknowledged with mixed emotions, stating, “I was completely emotional but after the game I’m feeling quite good. I don’t really care about [being] the youngest and all these records, but it’s a nice thing to say.”

Gukesh’s success drew jubilant crowds of Indian fans outside his hotel, underscoring the celebration of yet another rising star in the nation’s chess scene. Expressing his anticipation for the forthcoming championship, Gukesh remarked, “I’m very excited to play in the world championship and really looking forward to all the preparations,” noting that his journey is “only halfway through.”

The previous youngest winner of a Candidates tournament was Russian prodigy Kasparov, who claimed victory at the age of 20 in 1984. Kasparov, renowned for his subsequent multiple world championships, commended Gukesh and the burgeoning influx of chess talent from Asia and Asian diaspora communities, particularly in nations like the United States and Britain. Reflecting on the significance of Gukesh’s achievement, Kasparov remarked, “The Indian earthquake in Toronto is the culmination of the shifting tectonic plates in the chess world.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also lauded Gukesh’s remarkable feat, praising his exceptional talent and dedication. Gukesh is poised to challenge Ding, the 31-year-old Chinese star who ascended to the world championship in 2023, succeeding Magnus Carlsen. The exact details regarding the date and venue of the 2024 World Chess Championship clash between Ding and Gukesh are yet to be disclosed.

In the women’s Challenger category, China’s Tan Zhongyi emerged victorious, earning the opportunity to contend for the world title against compatriot and reigning champion Ju Wenjun, with the specifics of the match also awaiting announcement. Meanwhile, India continues to showcase its wealth of young chess talent, with Rameshbabu Praggnanandhaa (R Praggnanandhaa), aged 18, making waves after his remarkable victory against Carlsen in 2022.

Affectionately known as “Pragg” among fans, he achieved the title of youngest international chess master at age 10, followed by becoming the world’s second-youngest grandmaster at 12. Notably, he and his sister, 22-year-old Rameshbabu Vaishali (R Vaishali), made history as the first sibling duo to attain grandmaster titles. Gukesh follows in the footsteps of legendary Indian player Viswanathan “Vishy” Anand, becoming the second Indian to compete in a world championship.

In a gesture of support, Anand expressed his pride in Gukesh’s performance, commending his resilience in navigating challenging situations. With these rising talents, India’s presence in the global chess arena continues to grow, fueled by a new generation of players poised to make their mark on the world stage.

-+=