Singapore Newcomers 2024

A total of 226 competitors gathered at the RELC International Hotel on March 16, 2024, setting a lively stage for high-speed action in Singapore, Singapore. The single-day WCA competition brought together a packed field eager to test their skills across seven fast-paced rounds of play. Featuring three distinct events, the program focused entirely on short-format solving where every fraction of a second determined the final standings on the podium.

The 2x2x2 Cube event delivered blistering times right from the opening round as 155 competitors took to the tables. Nigel Phang of Singapore was the standout performer across two intense rounds, taking the overall victory with a winning average of 1.45 seconds alongside a best single of 1.33 seconds. Phang set a remarkable pace throughout the contest, demonstrating supreme efficiency on the compact puzzle to lead an all-Singapore top three.

Behind Phang, Daryl Tan Hong An secured the runner-up spot in the 2x2x2 Cube with an average of 2.14 seconds, followed closely by Isaac Wong Chang Man in third place at 2.55 seconds. The event was packed with rapid turnarounds and sharp executions, establishing the high-tempo speedcubing standard that defined the early hours of Singapore Newcomers 2024. Competitors pushed their turning speeds to the limit in one of the most explosive disciplines of the day.

The classic 3x3x3 Cube contest, often referred to as the traditional Rubik's Cube, drew the largest crowd of the weekend with 215 competitors battling across three complete rounds. Tee Kai Yang of Malaysia captured the title after piecing together a stellar 7.20-second winning average in the final round. Tee also secured the fastest solve of the event with a best single of 6.40 seconds, fending off formidable challengers to claim top honors.

The remaining 3x3 results rounded out an exciting international battle on the podium. Ng Jia Quan of Malaysia clinched second place with an average of 7.66 seconds, while Isaac Wong Chang Man earned his second podium finish of the competition by taking third with an 8.04-second mark. Speed cubing enthusiasts were treated to precise turning and composed solves throughout the elimination stages, making the main event an absolute highlight.

Away from the top of the podium, Singapore Newcomers 2024 served as a launchpad for remarkable personal milestones and breakthrough attempts. Akif Nabil Bin Tasha delivered a standout performance, shaving 90 percent off his previous mark to log a 2x2x2 Cube personal best of 5.83 seconds, alongside an improved 3x3x3 Cube personal best of 17.98 seconds. Lee Zheng Xuan dropped his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 63.8 percent down to 8.73 seconds, while also recording a 3.15-second personal best in the 2x2x2 Cube. In the Pyraminx, Kyler Kam Li Wei earned an 8th-place finish and improved his personal best by 52.3 percent with a 2.52-second solve. Goh Shi Jun Julian took on three events and lowered his 2x2x2 Cube mark by 54.6 percent to 8.46 seconds.

Several competitors also embraced entirely new disciplines during the cubing competition. Anders Neo Shao Quan entered three events, logging a 5.20-second result in his first ever attempt at Pyraminx while lowering his 3x3x3 Cube personal best by 23.3 percent to 10.98 seconds. Joel Noah Mak completed his first ever attempt at Pyraminx in 18.42 seconds and his first 2x2x2 Cube solve in 12.03 seconds, while improving his 3x3x3 Cube time by 34.5 percent to 32.53 seconds. Lye Shi Qi Aiden also expanded his repertoire with a first Pyraminx result of 12.48 seconds and a first 2x2x2 Cube mark of 8.40 seconds, alongside a 28.77-second personal best in the 3x3x3 Cube. Meanwhile, David Hong of Korea tackled three disciplines, achieving his first official Pyraminx solve in 10.99 seconds while dropping his 2x2x2 Cube personal best to 3.80 seconds.

The triangular challenge of the Pyraminx saw 124 competitors enter the fray across two competitive rounds. Lim Jia Ying of Singapore emerged victorious, posting a winning average of 2.76 seconds and an event-best single of 2.55 seconds to top the leaderboard. Malcolm Walter Ang finished as the runner-up with an average of 3.41 seconds, while Nigel Phang returned to the podium once more to capture third place with a 3.54-second average.

In total, Singaporean solvers secured seven podium spots across the three disciplines, while Malaysian competitors earned two podium placements in the 3x3x3 Cube. The streamlined schedule at Singapore Newcomers 2024 provided non-stop entertainment, highlighting both established speed and inspiring progress. As the 2024 season progresses, the performances at the RELC International Hotel set a high bar for sprint events across the region.