Table tennis: Swinging the racket billions of times, achieving a grand slam

Chapter 204 Chen Jin, the team is in danger, return quickly!

Astana.

Dowlet Sports Center.

The 2024 Asian Table Tennis Championships came to a successful conclusion.

Beijing time, 10pm.

A red sunset was hanging in the sky, and it had not yet sunk into the horizon.

The blood-like afterglow of the setting sun shone through the window, onto Liu Guoliang's gloomy face, making him look somewhat hideous and terrifying.

In the lounge.

Qin Zhijian, Li Suo, Wang Hao, Ma Lin and other national table tennis bigwigs sat in silence with serious expressions.

Everyone's face was filled with solemnity.

No one dared to speak, not even to breathe.

The atmosphere on the scene was particularly depressing.

The dry air seemed to be filled with lead, and I could feel a slight difficulty in breathing.

I do not know how long it has been.

Liu Guoliang looked around and finally spoke, his voice equally terrifyingly sinister.

The emotions in my heart are like an active volcano that can erupt at any time.

"Men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles, women's doubles, and women's team, all lost."

Liu Guoliang crossed his arms over his chest and laughed in anger, "I lost five of the seven gold medals."

"If I remember correctly, this is the worst record of our national table tennis team since the Asian Championships were founded in 1972."

Worst record!
Each of these four short words was like a sharp knife, stabbing hard into everyone's heart.

Everyone couldn't help but lower their heads.

A figure flashed through Wang Hao's mind: "If I had known this, I should have insisted on my own opinion and brought Chen Jin with me."

"If Chen Jin was there, the men's singles championship would not have been taken away by Zhang Benzhihe."

Unfortunately.

There is no regret medicine in the world.

The matter has come to this, and it is useless to say more.

Besides, it was Liu Guoliang's decision not to allow Chen Jin to participate in the Asian Championships.

He had tried to argue with reason, but was ultimately rejected by Liu Guoliang. What else could he do?

The mind has not changed.

Liu Guoliang's tone became more severe: "Look at the Neon team next door. They won three golds, two silvers and three bronzes. They stepped on our heads and topped the gold medal and medal tables of this Asian Championships."

"Congratulations everyone, we have made history for Chinese table tennis."

“But this is the most humiliating history!”

Liu Guoliang's voice, tinged with a hint of anger, continued to echo in the lounge.

To know.

His current status is accumulated through gold medals and achievements.

Once the gold medal and the results are gone, you will inevitably fall heavily and be shattered.

Faced with Liu Guoliang's scolding, no one dared to say a word.

"but."

After taking a quick look, Liu Guoliang relaxed a little and changed the subject, "It has already happened. Nothing we say now will help."

"The key is that everyone should learn from the painful lessons of this Asian Championships and be brave after knowing the shame."

Liu Guoliang tapped the handle of the chair with his fingers. "Of course, I also understand that in the new Olympic cycle, we are facing the pain of echelon construction. Winning and losing are normal."

"We need to summarize when we win, and we need to summarize even more when we lose, and find out the reasons for the loss so as to avoid making the same mistake again next time."

Speaking of which.

Liu Guoliang leaned back and turned to look at Wang Hao next to him: "Wang Hao, can you first tell me why we lost the men's singles match today?"

Being called upon to speak first, Wang Hao knew he couldn't back down.

So he coughed twice and cleared his throat.

"First of all, Lin Shidong is still too young, lacking experience in major competitions and the ability to withstand pressure. Once he falls into a disadvantageous position, his mentality will easily collapse and he will be led by the opponent's rhythm."

Wang Hao had obviously summarized it long ago, and now he reported it, saying, "In this regard, Chen Jin did a better job than Lin Shidong."

As soon as I heard the word "Chen Jin".

Liu Guoliang couldn't help but raise his eyebrows.

Logically speaking, with Chen Jin's strength and record, he can definitely participate in the Asian Championships.

however.

It was because of his "one moment of thought" that he suffered such a disastrous defeat.

Although he didn't mention it, Liu Guoliang was regretting it: "If I had known Wang Chuqin was so lame, I should have listened to Wang Hao and brought Chen Jin with me."

For some reason, although Chen Jin is young, he always has a reassuring temperament.

Just like Zhang Jike back then.

Originally, in Liu Guoliang's "script", the men's singles of this Asian Championships would be led by Wang Chuqin, with Lin Shidong as the supporting player.

The other main forces took the opportunity to train their troops.

But no one expected that Wang Chuqin would be eliminated in the quarterfinals and lose to a newcomer from the Korean team.

As for Lin Shidong, he did a good job and defended his own half.

However, the previous record of matches has already shown that Lin Shidong is likely to be at a disadvantage against Zhang Benzhihe.

Lin Shidong's mentality seems calm, and he often scores big points to win games.

But I can't help but ask myself why the points exploded. Wouldn't it be more exciting to crush the opponent and win?
"Secondly, Lin Shidong's technology still has loopholes."

Wang Hao continued, "Once the backhand shot is blocked, the subsequent attack will be weak and the opponent will easily seize the opportunity."

"Also, Lin Shidong's forehand is not very stable."

The words were not finished.

Chen Jin's figure appeared in front of Wang Hao again.

When it comes to comprehensive technology, it has to be Chen Jin!

"In addition, Zhang Benzhihe is in very good condition in this Asian Championships."

Wang Hao's eyes darkened slightly. "It's obvious that Zhang Benzhihe has strengthened his forehand, and his backhand defense and line-changing abilities are also constantly improving."

In the Paris Olympics, the battle with Fan Zhendong showed the upper limit of Zhang Benzhihe's full power.

Although Zhang Benzhihe was eliminated early in the Macau Championship and BJ Grand Slam, this does not fully reflect his true strength.

Listen quietly to Wang Hao's analysis and summary.

Liu Guoliang interrupted, "Wang Hao, in your opinion, if Lin Shidong is replaced by Chen Jin in this men's singles final, can Chen Jin beat Zhang Benzhihe?"

"not sure."

Wang Hao frowned.

After all, in competitive sports, the outcome is unpredictable.

So far, Chen Jin and Zhang Benzhihe have never played against each other, and there are no game cases to refer to.

Wang Hao then added: "However, Chen Jin's forehand and backhand are very balanced, and his small balls on the table are delicately controlled. His speed can also suppress Zhang Benzhihe."

"I have at least a 70% chance of winning against Tomokazu Harimoto."

Of course, this is just a conservative estimate.

"Seventy percent?"

Liu Guoliang pondered and said, "We need to find an opportunity to let them fight each other."

Among the external players, the one who poses the greatest threat to the national table tennis team is Tomokazu Harimoto.

If he wants to become the absolute main force of the national table tennis team, he has to overcome this hurdle: Zhang Benzhihe.

Otherwise, it will be of little use.

Think about this.

Liu Guoliang sat up straight and asked Wang Hao, "Anything else to say?"

"Gone."

Wang Hao shook his head.

"it is good."

Liu Guoliang said, "You still have to catch up with Lin Shidong and make up for the technical loopholes as soon as possible."

That’s all.

Turning to look at Marin, "Marin, where is your women's team?"

In this Asian Championships, the women's team performed worse than the men's team.

The men's team at least won the team gold medal, but the women's team lost all three gold medals.

“Regarding the women’s team’s defeat, I won’t mention the technical aspects for now.”

Ma Lin said, "I just want to say one thing, that is, the recent events are too dense, the rest is seriously insufficient, and the workload is too heavy."

The three main players of the women's team are Chen Meng, Sun Yingsha and Wang Manyu.

First, Chen Meng withdrew from the Asian Championships.

Later, Wang Manyu had to give up due to family changes.

Sun Yingsha barely finished the women's team match, but also withdrew from the subsequent games due to a strained right arm.

In the final analysis, BJ had just finished the Grand Slam and rushed to the Asian Championships without stopping, which was an almost seamless transition.

Even if you are training through competition, you shouldn't play like a cow or a horse.

"really."

Liu Guoliang is also very clear about this, "The Montpellier Championship cannot make the same mistake again."

"You must arrive at the venue three days in advance to adapt to the venue and adjust to the time difference."

The disastrous defeat in the Asian Championships, and the loss to Japan, would surely cause a huge public outcry. If they also lost the Montpellier Championships, the pressure would be even greater.

"correct."

Liu Guoliang slapped his thigh, "Where's Chen Jin?"

"Chen Jin?"

Wang Hao said hurriedly, "He should be participating in the National Championships in Inner Mongolia."

"It's already this late, why are we still playing in the national championships?"

Liu Guoliang glared at him and said, "Tell him to return to the team immediately and prepare to leave with the team to Montpellier."

Wang Chuqin had already announced his withdrawal from the WTT Montpellier Championship due to personal matters.

The only three main players left in the national table tennis team are Lin Shidong, Liang Jingkun and Lin Gaoyuan.

Judging from the results of the Asian Championships, these three people are of little use.

Liu Guoliang naturally thought of Chen Jin.

"it is good."

Wang Hao took out his cell phone and said, "I'll contact Chen Jin right away."

Having said that, he wanted to get up.

"where to?"

Liu Guoliang frowned slightly and looked at Wang Hao.

"Go out and make a phone call."

Wang Hao was stunned for a moment.

"Why are you going out? Is there something shameful going on?"

Liu Guoliang glared, "Let's fight here."

"it is good."

Wang Hao sat down again and immediately dialed Chen Jin's cell phone number.

……

Ordos.

a hotel.

restaurant.

It was already dark outside.

Chen Jin, Xie Mingyang, Zhang Jiahao and others ordered takeout and had a midnight snack.

Drink tea instead of wine to celebrate Zhang Jiahao's advancement to the finals.

"Brother Jin."

Zhang Jiahao put his arm around Chen Jin's shoulder, winked, and said with a playful smile, "Won't you give me some advice for tomorrow's game?"

"I've never played against Huang Youzheng, so how can I give you advice?"

Chen Jin glanced at him.

"From what I know about you, Brother Jin, you must have watched Huang Youzheng's game."

Zhang Jiahao laughed and said, "If it was you playing against Huang Youzheng, how would you play?"

"Huang Youzheng is also a left-handed horizontal player like you."

Chen Jin took a French fry and dipped it in ketchup. "His fighting style was learned from Wang Chuqin..."

"Master Wang Chuqin?"

Zhang Jiahao said disdainfully, "I am also a disciple of Xu Xin."

Seeing Chen Jin raised his eyebrows slightly, he quickly put his palms together and closed his mouth.

"Backhand is strong, forehand is a little weak, the ball inside the table is a little rough, and the first three shots are fierce."

Chen Jin said slowly, "Pay special attention to his hook serve at critical points..."

The words have not yet fallen.

Anyang next to him immediately echoed: "Yes, yes, all from the side."

He had just finished a match with Huang Youzheng and had the most say in this matter.

"All on the side?"

Zhang Jiahao seemed to be thinking about it, "I see."

As long as there is a formula, such as "five years of shielding and three years of throwing back", it is easy to solve it.

"I'll go find some videos of Huang Youzheng's previous matches tomorrow and take a look."

Zhang Jiahao said, "Brother Jin, you guys should be there to cheer me up tomorrow, right?"

"Without me guarding you, if you win the championship, won't you be able to fly up to the sky and stand shoulder to shoulder with the sun?"

Chen Jin smiled.

"You can't fly that high."

Zhang Jiahao chuckled, "At most, it's shoulder to shoulder with the moon."

"Don't worry, Lao Zhang."

Qin Wenjie said, "We will all go to watch your game tomorrow and cheer for you."

"it is good."

Zhang Jiahao was in high spirits. "When the time comes, just shout louder. Don't worry about hurting your voice. I have prepared throat lozenges, puffed tamarind, and salted bamboo bees for you..."

"By the way, have you been paying attention to the Asian Championships recently?"

Ding Xiaowei suddenly said, "In the men's singles final, Lin Shidong lost to Zhang Benzhihe."

“I’m definitely paying attention.”

Ouyang Liangqin was chewing chicken nuggets with one hand and scrolling on his phone with the other. "There's a huge uproar online, saying that in this Asian Championships, our national table tennis team created the worst performance record in history."

"not only."

Qin Wenjie also kept his phone in his hand. "Many people are questioning the coaching staff, why they didn't let Chen Jin play in the Asian Championships."

Even the term "Chen Jin Asian Championships" made it to the hot search list.

It immediately reached the top ten.

It ranks behind such heavyweight entries as "Lin Shidong lost to Zhang Benzhihe" and "Chinese national table tennis team created the worst result in history at the Asian Championships".

"Yeah, I find it weird too."

Chen Zihan looked at Chen Jin, "Master Chen Jin, why don't you go to the Asian Championships?"

With Chen Jin's current strength and achievements, it is a foregone conclusion that he will participate in the Asian Championships.

But he appeared in the National Championships, which is a bit strange.

"I want to participate in the National Championships, so I have to give up the Asian Championships."

Chen Jin smiled slightly.

However, he did not expect that he would suffer such a disastrous defeat in the Asian Championships.

Even the singles gold medals were lost.

Wang Chuqin, who was highly expected by Liu Guoliang, not only lost to a 14-year-old Iranian teenager in the team competition, but also fell in the singles quarterfinals.

And Lin Shidong was no match for Zhang Benzhihe.

Just finished speaking.

Sudden.

Mobile phone vibration.

Chen Jin picked it up and looked at it: "Coach Wang?"

Not long after the Asian Championships ended, Wang Hao contacted me.

In this situation, you can guess with your soles of your feet that it must be about the Asian Championships.

Without hesitation, I answered the call.

"Chen Jin, have you rested?"

Wang Hao's tone was as gentle as ever.

There is no trace of negativity.

"not yet."

Chen Jin said, "Coach Wang, why are you looking for me so late at night? What's the matter?"

"Correct."

Wang Hao didn't beat around the bush and got straight to the point, "Book a flight for tomorrow and rush back to the Training Bureau immediately."

"Return to the Training Headquarters?"

Chen Jin was quite surprised and was stunned for a moment, "My national championship has not started yet."

These days, it's either singles or mixed doubles.

The team competition will have to wait until the 16th.

But unexpectedly, before the competition started, Wang Hao asked him to go back to the Training Bureau.

Apparently, they are preparing for the Montpellier Championship in advance.

Without waiting for Wang Hao to speak.

Liu Guoliang leaned closer to the microphone and said seriously, "Chen Jin, this is Coach Liu. You don't have to play in the National Championships. Return to the team immediately."

"As for your provincial team, I will communicate with them in person later."

"Also, call Xie Mingyang to come along."

Judging from Liu Guoliang's tone, there was no doubt about it, as if he was saying: Chen Jin, the team is in danger, return quickly!

He exchanged glances with Xie Mingyang.

At this point, Chen Jin had no room for bargaining and could only agree.

(End of this chapter)