Little Fingers, Big Record: Rubik's Cube Champion Lian
Six-year-old Lian Yunzhi has smashed world records by solving the Rubik's Cube in the blink of an eye. Are you ready to discover the secret behind this little genius's success?

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We have all struggled while trying to put together a complicated puzzle, haven't we? But can you imagine lining up a cube full of colorful squares to be a single color in just 4 seconds? Six-year-old Lian Yunzhi from China has broken the world record by achieving this seemingly impossible feat twice in a row! Lian Yunzhi first broke the record in Wuhan with an average of 4.52 seconds, and then he lowered his own record to 4.27 seconds in Guangzhou. That is even faster than the time it takes for you to say 'hello!' So, how can a child be so fast? What is a Rubik's Cube and how did it come to be? The Rubik's Cube was invented in 1974 by a Hungarian teacher and architect named ErnΕ Rubik. Actually, ErnΕ was looking for a tool to teach his students how 3D objects move. Initially called the 'Magic Cube,' this toy was later named the 'Rubik's Cube' and took the whole world by storm. Today, it is not just a toy, but an essential part of serious competitions held all over the world. The secret behind the success: Algorithms. Lian's success is not a coincidence. According to his mother, Lian practices for 2 to 3 hours every day. So, what does he learn to solve the cube in such a short time? Sequences of moves called 'algorithms'! Lian has memorized more than 1,300 different ways to solve the cube. As a speedcuber, the moment he picks up the cube, his mind selects the mathematical path that leads to the fastest result. Did you know? There are exactly 43 quintillion (that's 43 followed by 18 zeros!) different combinations in a standard 3x3x3 version of a Rubik's Cube. However, despite all this confusion, when you know the right moves, every cube can be solved in less than 20 moves. This is called 'God's Algorithm.' Why is it important and how does it touch our lives? Lian's story teaches us a very important lesson: perseverance and regular practice! Working with a Rubik's Cube is not only fun; it also improves your hand-eye coordination, memory, and problem-solving skills. Scientists say that these types of brain games keep the brain sharp and increase analytical thinking skills. Are you ready to break your own record? You don't have to be as fast as Lian, but trying to set your own record can be great. Start with small steps, focus on completing just one face first, and be patient. Who knows, maybe you are the one who will beat Lian's record one day! Remember, the greatest successes start with small practices.
π° Source:BBC Newsround


