Six-year-old Lian Yunzhi shatters women’s Rubik’s Cube record with 4.27-second average

Key points

• Lian Yunzhi set the women’s 3x3 average world record twice within three days in September 2026.
• Her final recorded average was 4.27 seconds, breaking the previous mark of 4.52 seconds set in Wuhan.
• She is the first female speedcuber to average under 4.5 seconds, according to Chinese state broadcaster CCTV.
• The competitions took place in Wuhan and Guangzhou, both certified by the World Cube Association.
• Yunzhi began cubing at age four and now practices two to three hours daily, mastering over 1,300 algorithms.

Background

This achievement follows a trend of young Chinese athletes setting global records in precision sports, such as 13-year-old swimmer Yu Zidi setting world junior records in the 200m individual medley in September 2026. In contrast, the overall 3x3 single-cube record remains held by Teodor Zajder of Poland, who solved it in 2.76 seconds in February 2026, while Tommy Cherry holds the blindfolded record at 11.56 seconds.

How outlets are covering it

The Washington Post, CBS News, and The Guardian all confirm the core facts of the record-breaking performances in Wuhan and Guangzhou. However, they differ in emphasis: The Washington Post focuses on the specific timing and competition details, while CBS News and The Guardian highlight the personal narrative, including her mother’s role in shifting her focus from other extracurriculars to cubing and the cognitive benefits cited by her family. All sources attribute the 'first female under 4.5 seconds' claim to CCTV, but only CBS and The Guardian detail her nickname 'Zhizhi' and the specific extracurriculars she previously pursued.

Why it matters

This record highlights the increasing intensity and early specialization in competitive speedcubing, particularly in China, where structured training and algorithmic mastery are emphasized from a very young age. It also underscores the gender gap in the sport, as Yunzhi’s achievement marks a significant milestone for female competitors in a field where male records remain significantly faster.

What to watch

Yunzhi is expected to continue competing in World Cube Association-certified events, potentially targeting further records in other categories. Her family may continue to emphasize the educational benefits of cubing, as her mother has publicly advocated for the activity’s role in developing logical reasoning and spatial awareness.