By Kyra Gillespie
Pakenham is best known for its thriving sporting community – footy, soccer and netball in particular.
But there’s another little-known sport that is taking off in the area – cubing.
This weekend top class competitors from around Australia will descent upon Pakenham to solve Rubik’s Cubes.
The World Cubing Association will host the national event at Lakeside College on March 2 and 3.
Participants will compete against both the clock and each other in a variety of events, to identify who can solve the Rubik’s cube the fastest.
“Lakeside College is proud to be able to host an event of such high calibre,” Principal Mr Thomas Brennen said.
“At the College we support our students to strive to excel in all areas of their lives – be it service, leadership, academics, sports, arts or, in this case, the challenge of cubing! Sources tell me that there is a chance of a world record being broken over the weekend and I look forward expectantly”
Some of the top names to compete include Tommy Kiprillis, Tomoya Firman and Jack Cai.
Jack, ranked 3rd in the world for 3x3x3 blindfolded, has been competing since 2014, and recently solved the 3x3x3 cube blindfolded in 19.06 sec.
When asked how he felt after this solve, he said, “A bit bittersweet because I knew after that if I didn’t mess up my first solve, I probably could’ve gotten the world record.”
Lakeside College will be represented by current students William and Harry Niewand.
After taking up cubing in Dec 2017, both have now completed over 100 competition solves including at nationals last year in Canberra and are looking forward to the challenge of this next competition.
There are a variety of events on offer, including a range of blindfolded events, Square 1, Clock, Fewest Moves Challenge and also solving with feet.
These events are crucial for participants to be ready for the world championships being hosted in Melbourne on July 11-14.
Spectators can watch for free by visiting Lakeside College, Senior School between 9.30am and 4pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Finals will be held Sunday afternoon.
