Unbelievable 4.27-Second Solve: How a 6-Year-Old Shattered the Rubik's Cube Record
By Alexander Ross
Q1: What method did Lian Yunzhi use for her record-setting solve?
Lian utilized the advanced CFOP (Fridrich) method. This system solves the white cross on the bottom, pairs up four corner-and-edge sets to complete the first two layers simultaneously, orients the top yellow face (OLL), and permutes the remaining pieces (PLL) in one fluid string of algorithms.
Q2: How does the World Cube Association verify an official average of five?
Competitors solve five separate scrambles generated by official WCA computer software. The fastest and slowest single times are dropped from the set. The remaining three times are averaged together to compute the official Ao5 score, eliminating anomalous lucky solves or accidental errors.
Q3: Is 4.27 seconds the fastest Rubik's Cube time ever recorded?
No. The absolute fastest single solve record stands lower (including Max Park’s 3.13-second single solve). However, Lian’s 4.27-second mark represents the fastest average ever officially recorded in the women's category, and ranks within the top percentiles of all human solves regardless of division.
Alexander Ross has covered the video game industry for a decade, writing deep dives on game design, esports tournaments, VR developments, and gaming culture.
