Who Is Keya Jha? The Youngest American Girl To Beat A GM

Did you know, after Bodhana Sivanandan, there’s a new star rising in the world of chess? Meet Keya Jha, another 10-year-old chess prodigy from Ohio who just made history by becoming the youngest American girl to beat a GM (Grandmaster). Yes, you read that right! At an age when most kids are busy with homework and playtime, Keya is busy breaking records and dazzling the chess world.

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Who Is Keya Jha?

Keya Jha’s journey with chess began when she was just 4 and a half years old. Her parents, who are originally from India and settled in Redwood, California, noticed her curiosity when she saw them playing chess online. By the age of seven, during the pandemic lockdown, she started competing in tournaments. Since then, she hasn’t looked back.

The Breakthrough Moment

Who Is Keya Jha? The Youngest American Girl To Beat A GM — Keya Jha (PC: Chess.com)

Her big moment came at the Joe Yun Memorial Tournament in Akron, Ohio. In the final round, Keya Jha faced Grandmaster Bryan Smith. Imagine the pressure! But Keya Jha remained calm and focused, and after a hard-fought battle, where Smith enjoyed a winning position, she emerged as the winner after a time control mishap. This win didn’t just give her the first prize of $2,000; it made her the youngest American female ever to defeat a Grandmaster in a classical chess game at just 10 years, 9 months, and 2 days old.

Behind The Scenes

Behind the scenes, Keya Jha’s success is no accident. She trains with Grandmaster Dmitry Gordievsky and receives great support from her family. Her mother, even though initially unfamiliar with chess, has become her biggest cheerleader, helping her practice and stay motivated. With such a strong support system, Keya is rapidly improving and already aiming to become a National Master.

But chess isn’t Keya Jha’s only talent. At just 10 years old, she is an advanced 7th grader, excelling in math. She also holds a black belt in Taekwondo and is a top-ranked tennis player in Ohio. It looks like this young girl has the drive and determination to shine in anything she tries. So, keep an eye out for this young prodigy. This is just the beginning for Keya Jha, the youngest American girl to beat a Grandmaster.