Six-year-old Chinese speedcuber Lian Yunzhi has set a new women’s world record for the average time to solve a 3×3 Rubik’s Cube, according to Chinese state media.
Lian, from Chengdu and nicknamed “Zhizhi”, recorded averages of 4.52 seconds and 4.27 seconds at two World Cube Association-certified competitions in Wuhan and Guangzhou this month, CCTV reported.
The average is calculated from five solves. CCTV said Lian became the first female speedcuber to record an average below 4.5 seconds.
Video released by the broadcaster showed Lian completing the cube rapidly before celebrating at the table. Her performances have drawn attention because of her age and the speed of her solves.
Lian was introduced to cubing through a class alongside other extracurricular activities, including dance and music, her mother, Lin Yangxi, told local media. Lin said she later decided to focus more heavily on cubing after seeing benefits she associated with the activity.
According to Lin, Lian has learned more than 1,300 solving algorithms and practises for about two to three hours each day.
The World Cube Association organises and regulates official speedcubing competitions around the world. Records can vary by event format, including single-solve and average times, with official averages based on multiple solves.
