Dover, Delaware, USA: While many 10-year-olds are still mastering multiplication, Keya Jha is already thinking ten moves ahead on the chessboard — and making history in the process.
Last month, the young chess prodigy from Delaware, Ohio, set a remarkable record by becoming the youngest American girl to defeat a Grandmaster in a classical chess match. She triumphed over GM Bryan Smith at the renowned 5th Annual Joe Yun Memorial Tournament in Akron. At just 10 years, 9 months, and 2 days old, Keya’s victory has energized the American chess community and inspired families throughout Central Ohio.
But Keya’s achievement was more than a single upset. She didn’t just beat a Grandmaster — she went on to claim the tournament title, finishing with an impressive 4.5 out of 5 points and earning the $2,000 first-place prize.
A Prodigy Ahead of Her Age
Keya’s journey in chess began early. She started playing at four and a half and was already participating in tournaments by age seven. Today, she is not only a competitive chess player but also academically advanced, currently in seventh grade while most peers remain in elementary school. When away from the chessboard, she hones her reflexes through competitive ping pong, another sport in which she excels.
“She has a rare ability to remain calm and focused under pressure,” said her coach, Jeffrey Barnett, who trains her alongside Grandmaster Dimitry Gordievsky. “That level of composure is unusual in young players and gives her an advantage over older, more experienced opponents.”
Part of a Larger Global Trend
Keya’s record-setting victory coincided with another milestone abroad, as 10-year-old Bodhana Sivanandan in the UK also defeated a Grandmaster on the same day. Together, these achievements highlight a new wave of young female talent challenging a traditionally male-dominated game. Keya now holds the title of the youngest female in the United States to defeat a Grandmaster, surpassing Carissa Yip, and is the second youngest worldwide.
Experts note that this moment reflects a broader shift: girls are making significant gains in chess, not only in numbers but at the highest competitive levels.
A Role Model for the Community
Keya’s story resonates strongly within Central Ohio’s Indian American community and immigrant families across the country. Her dedication, intelligence, and ability to balance academics with extracurricular pursuits embody values many families aspire to. She also represents hope — proving that a determined child with strong support can compete with the best in the world.
Looking forward, Keya is eager for new tournaments and challenges, with ambitions to one day rank among the world’s elite chess players. For now, she remains what she has always been: a passionate young competitor who loves the game.
“I just try to play my best move,” she said in a past interview. Simple words from a 10-year-old who has already carved her name into history.
