A six-year-old girl has broken the women’s Rubik’s Cube world record twice in just three days, solving the puzzle in a matter of seconds.
Lian Yunzhi, from Chengdu, China, recorded averages of 4.52 seconds in Wuhan and 4.27 seconds in Guangzhou at recent World Cube Association-recognised competitions, according to Chinese state TV.
Her 4.27-second average made her the first female speedcuber to record an average of less than 4.5 seconds, according to competition records and specialist coverage.
Video from the events shows Yunzhi quickly twisting a scrambled 3x3x3 cube with her small hands before placing the completed puzzle on the desk.
Wearing a headband with a large red bow, she celebrates each achievement with a clap and fist pump.
Yunzhi was reportedly introduced to Rubik’s Cube through an extracurricular class that included activities such as dance and music.
Her mother, Lin Yangxi, told Chinese media she recognised the benefits cubing could have for her daughter’s development and shifted her focus towards the puzzle.
Yunzhi now reportedly practises for up to three hours a day and has mastered more than 1,300 Rubik’s Cube algorithms.
“Solving a Rubik’s Cube improves focus, memory, logical thinking, spatial awareness, and helps develop a healthy mindset toward winning and losing,” Lin said.
“It’s not just about blindly memorising formulas, but using logical reasoning to find optimal solutions.”
Rubik’s Cube speedsolving involves completing the puzzle as quickly as possible, with competitors using memorised algorithms and planning their moves before beginning.
Image: CCTV Asia Pacific
