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

Chapter 285 The Octagonal Warrior!
Half past nine in the evening.

Ritz-Carlton Hotel Ogura.

18th floor.

The long corridor felt somewhat cramped.

Chen Jin stood outside the door of room number 8 and knocked gently.

Soon, a "click" was heard, and someone opened the door from the inside.

"coming?"

The person who opened the door was Liu Zhiqiang.

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded.

Upon entering the room, one sees Liu Guoliang, Qin Zhijian, Li Xun, Wang Hao, and others gathered there.

Some sat on chairs, and some sat on the edge of the bed.

In the room, besides the coach, there was only one player, Lin Shidong.

Lin Shidong leaned against the window, holding a bottle of mineral water in his hand. When he saw Chen Jin, he nodded slightly.

The television hanging on the wall was silently playing the semi-final match between Lin Shidong and Zhang Benzhihe.

"coming?"

Liu Guoliang smiled, pointed to the chair in front of him, and said, "Sit down."

Surrounded by a group of national table tennis stars, Chen remained calm and sat down as instructed.

Not far from the hotel, the Shinkansen runs east to west.

Just then, a train passed by, and the wind blowing from the harbor made the already quiet room even more deathly silent.

The night outside the window was illuminated by neon lights, making it as bright as day.

Handing Chen Jin a bottle of mineral water, Liu Guoliang smiled and said, "The final is tomorrow, are you nervous?"

"Fortunately."

Chen Jin unscrewed the bottle cap, took a small sip, and moistened his somewhat dry lips.

"The women's team final is an internal battle; the outcome is a matter for both sides."

Liu Guoliang said, "But the men's team final is different, especially since it's on the home turf of Japan."

No further explanation was needed; Chen Jin understood perfectly.

Tomorrow's final is not only about the title of champion of the 2024 WTT Grand Finals, but also, in the eyes of many, a contest of great significance.

"According to reliable sources, Zhang Ben's team used an AI analysis system in this competition."

Wang Hao leaned forward, supporting his knees with his elbows, "In the two matches where we defeated Big Fat and Little Stone, AI provided Zhang Ben with a lot of tactical assistance."

Hear this.

Lin Shidong's fingers suddenly tightened, and the plastic water bottle immediately made a "clicking" sound.

He was in the same half of the draw as Tomokazu Harimoto, which meant that it was originally his responsibility to stop Harimoto and defend his half of the draw.

But now, losing to Zhang Ben and losing half of the bracket has made him feel guilty.

more importantly.

During the Los Angeles Olympics cycle, Tomokazu Harimoto was regarded by the coaching staff as the number one enemy of the Chinese national table tennis team.

Only by defeating Tomokazu Harimoto can one be qualified to enter the absolute main force.

However, in their two most recent encounters, Lin Shidong was defeated in both.

How could Lin Shidong be willing to accept this?

"Our coaching staff has studied all of Zhang Ben's match videos from the last six months and found that his forehand has indeed improved a lot."

Wang Hao picked up a tablet computer, pulled up data charts, and continued, "But short balls and forehand consistency are still his biggest weaknesses."

"His match against Little Stone also exposed these problems."

"Even with the help of AI, it is impossible for Zhang Ben to make up for his shortcomings in just one day."

"Therefore, in tomorrow's match, we will develop corresponding tactics to target Zhang Ben's weaknesses."

Moreover, given Chen Jin's demonstrated strength, his skills and tactics are quite comprehensive.

No matter what tactics Zhang Ben used, he could always break them.

Our last encounter was the best proof of that.

"Correct."

Liu Guoliang agreed with Wang Hao's statement, "However, there is one point that needs to be noted."

"Zhang Ben is a volatile guy; his condition can be unpredictable, sometimes amazing and sometimes terrible. He might just surprise you."

"Moreover, this competition is his home ground. Once he gets excited and starts playing with momentum, he will be a tough opponent."

Since Tomokazu Harimoto's debut, the Chinese national table tennis team has included him in their research, so how could they not know about him?

The match against Fan Zhendong at the Paris Olympics is still a nerve-wracking memory.

"Simple."

Chen Jin said calmly, "We'll just make sure he doesn't get excited."

Upon hearing this, Liu Guoliang and the others were stunned for a moment.

They immediately looked at each other and smiled.

"So confident?"

Liu Guoliang looked at Chen Jin with a smile.

"I've played against Zhang Ben once, so I know him fairly well."

Chen Jin nodded and said, "I have confidence."

"very good!"

Liu Guoliang stood up, reached out and patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, "If you win this championship, you will be the youngest men's singles champion in the history of the WTT Finals, and your world ranking will rise to second."

"Unprecedented, and it's unlikely that anyone will break this record in the future."

He paused slightly at this point.

A glance at Chen Jin's expression revealed that he was unmoved and seemed to feel nothing.

"This kid..."

Liu Guoliang frowned inwardly.

He had used this method of boosting morale on many young athletes, and it had always worked.

Just hearing "the youngest men's singles champion in history" and "number two in the world" is enough to confuse anyone.

Even Ma Long was moved by it.

In contrast, Chen Jin didn't even lift his eyelids, remaining completely unmoved.

"Your composure is impressive."

Liu Guoliang thought to himself, "It seems that Chen Jin's ambitions are even greater than I imagined."

Immediately, they unleashed their ultimate move—the "pie in the sky" technique.

After clearing his throat twice, Liu Guoliang continued, "The International Table Tennis Federation just held a meeting, and there will be some reforms to the rules for next year's Doha World Table Tennis Championships."

"For example, regarding qualification, after the Singapore Grand Slam, based on the world rankings at the time, the top two can directly secure two spots."

Unsurprisingly.

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin raised an eyebrow, finally showing some reaction.

"World Table Tennis Championships qualification?"

Chen Jin's heart stirred slightly.

If we're talking about the pinnacle of professional table tennis competitions, the World Table Tennis Championships are undoubtedly the top choice.

Even the Olympics cannot compare.

Therefore, participating in the World Table Tennis Championships has become the dream and wish of almost all players.

Chen Jin was no exception.

Prior to this, according to the rules, Chinese national table tennis players needed to compete in the direct qualification tournament to qualify for the World Table Tennis Championships.

Now, with the rule reforms, the prestige of being ranked among the top two in the world has skyrocketed.

"If you can win the championship in this finals, you will definitely have a spot in next year's World Table Tennis Championships."

Liu Guoliang made a solemn vow.

Taking a deep breath, Chen Jin said in a deep voice, "One-on-one?"

"You little rascal!"

Liu Guoliang laughed, "So cautious."

"Yes, singles."

"How about it?"

Is this enough for you?

Upon hearing this, several soft laughs immediately filled the room.

Wang Hao looked at Chen Jin with a face full of doting affection.

Although Chen Jin is very young, there has never been a precedent in the history of Chinese table tennis for a 15 or 16-year-old to participate in the World Table Tennis Championships.

However, Chen Jin's strength completely won over the entire coaching staff.

What harm is there in making an exception just this once?

Moreover, in recent years, the strength of foreign associations has not been underestimated, which undoubtedly adds uncertainty to the World Table Tennis Championships.

The defeat at the Asian Championships, in particular, left the coaching staff with lingering fears.

If someone repeats the situation from the Paris Olympics during the World Table Tennis Championships, who will step up to cover for them?

After much deliberation, given the uncertain situation surrounding Fan Zhendong, Chen Jin is definitely the most suitable person to provide backup.

"That's enough to eat."

Chen Jin straightened his back and said seriously, "Coach Liu, please rest assured, even without this pie, I'm still determined to win the championship in the finals."

If you're not fighting for the championship on the field, you might as well go home and grow sweet potatoes.

Confidence combined with ability—who wouldn't be captivated?
"correct."

Wang Hao suddenly remembered something, "Chen Jin, your racket..."

"It's nothing." Chen Jin said nonchalantly, "I'm already used to it, and it's more than enough for Ying Zhangben."

Next.

The group then discussed tactics for tomorrow's final match for a while.

They didn't disperse until almost 11 o'clock.

Everyone went back to their rooms.

Chen Jin and Lin Shidong took the elevator together to their room.

The two remained silent throughout the journey.

The atmosphere was somewhat solemn.

Walking through the narrow hotel corridor, the slightly stuffy air made it a little hard to breathe.

Lin Shidong glanced at Chen Jin, then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but didn't.

With great difficulty, I mustered up my courage.

"Chen Jin..."

Lin Shidong said in a low voice.

"Ok?"

Chen Jin looked up.

"Feel sorry."

Lin Shidong looked guilty. "I really didn't mean to break your racket."

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin paused for a moment, then frowned and asked, "Why are you suddenly bringing this up again?"

"The matter is over, so don't dwell on it."

Chen Jin reached out and gently placed his palm on Lin Shidong's left shoulder, saying with a hint of regret, "If you hadn't been thinking about this all along, you might not have lost to Zhang Benzhihe in today's semi-final."

"Chen Jin, I..."

A glint of light flashed in Lin Shidong's eyes, but before he could finish speaking, Chen Jin interrupted him.

"It's ok."

Chen Jin said solemnly, "Watch me avenge you tomorrow and sweep Zhang Ben away."

"come on!"

Lin Shidong's gaze was firm.

……

The next day, early in the morning.

Chen Jin woke up half an hour earlier than her alarm clock.

Accompanied by Lin Shidong, they went to the hotel's gym.

Wearing headphones, I started my morning exercise on the treadmill.

As dawn broke, through the floor-to-ceiling windows, one could still see the harbor shrouded in a leaden mist in the distance.

"So early?"

Just as Chen Jin was sweating profusely, a familiar voice suddenly came from behind him.

Looking back.

The speaker was none other than Tomokazu Harimoto.

Zhang Benzhihe, dressed in sportswear with a headband tied around his forehead, walked over with light steps.

"You're not too late either."

Chen Jin responded with a smile.

On the field, the two were opponents who fought to the death.

But off the field, they might still become friends.

In private, Tomokazu Harimoto is quite humble, completely unlike his flamboyant personality during matches.

Moreover, Tomokazu Harimoto has an extremely pure love for table tennis.

Just the fact that he plays cleanly is enough to blow someone else away.

Next to Chen Jin, Zhang Benzhihe also started a treadmill and began jogging.

"I heard that you used a test racket in your match against Wang Chuqin yesterday?"

Zhang Benzhihe asked.

"Ah."

Chen Jin did not deny it.

This matter is no secret.

It's gone viral on Weibo's trending topics list; almost everyone knows about it.

"What about today?"

Zhang Benzhihe turned to look at Chen Jin.

"Same as yesterday."

Chen Jin remained unfazed.

Upon hearing this, Tomokazu Harimoto frowned slightly: "If I remember correctly, your previous racket was a DHS special N301, right?"

"Anyway, there's still some time before the competition. I'll have someone help you look for it..."

The implication couldn't be clearer.

Chen Jin used a test racket in the final, which will inevitably reduce his strength.

Even if I win, it will be an unfair victory.

"I appreciate it."

Chen Jin said half-jokingly, "Have you heard of Little Li's Flying Dagger? It's ranked third on the weapon ranking list, but it was only made by the blacksmith of Daye in three hours."

True masters never care what kind of racket they use.

For example, Zhang Yining, the "Grand Slam Queen," won a match back then using a mop-shaped racket.

"Little Li Flying Dagger, ranked third?"

Zhang Benzhihe laughed, "You're a perfect match. It seems you are the Little Flying Dagger."

"Little Li's Flying Dagger is unparalleled in the world. Every strike is unerring... It really does sound a lot like you."

At a young age, he suddenly burst into the world of table tennis like a dark horse. In just three months, he overcame all obstacles and was undefeated, soaring from an unknown to third in the world rankings.

Moreover, his fighting style is as fierce as the legendary Little Li Flying Dagger.

Chen Jin smiled.

There was a pause.

Tomokazu Harimoto adjusted his breathing and said, "Our coach, Seiya Kishikawa, suddenly came up with an AI analysis system."

“Last night, we had AI analyze your technical data.”

Unexpectedly, Tomokazu Harimoto brought up the topic of AI, which surprised Chen Jin.

Chen Jin turned to look at Zhang Ben, and said nonchalantly, "What? You've found a way to defeat me?"

Just like what Wang Hao said last night.

Even if AI can find tactics and methods to defeat itself, it still requires Tomokazu Harimoto to execute them perfectly.

Moreover, tactics on the field are not static.

How could a mere AI possibly predict and understand everything in advance?

"No."

Zhang Benzhihe sighed and said with a bitter smile, "According to the AI's analysis, your strength is that of an octagonal warrior, with all technical data being perfect."

The term "octagonal warrior" was used by Yoshihito Miyazaki himself to describe the character.

It's even more terrifying than Malong.

Based on Chen Jin's recent performance, even Ma Long has been defeated by him, so he absolutely deserves this title.

"Oh?"

Chen Jin laughed and said, "It seems your AI isn't intelligent enough."

"No, quite the opposite."

Tomokazu Harimoto shook his head. "Because one of the ways it offers to defeat you is to treat you like Huo Yuanjia."

"Huo Yuanjia?"

Chen Jin immediately understood, "You're not planning to use the same trick again, are you?"

"..."

Tomokazu Harimoto smiled wryly, "Of course not."

"I want to defeat you fair and square on the field, not through any underhanded tactics!"

Chen Jin suddenly realized: "So that's why you told me about AI?"

"Ah."

Tomokazu Harimoto nodded.

"Is your AI called Ōmikami?"

Chen Jin asked.

"how do you know?"

Zhang Benzhihe asked in surprise.

Chen Jin shrugged but did not answer.

"In fact, AI can only provide you with training methods and tactics; its success rate in making predictions is extremely low."

Chen Jin looked ahead and said, "After all, the game is played by humans, not AI."

"clear."

Tomokazu Harimoto's eyes were resolute, like the gleam of a sword. "Therefore, I will not give up easily in today's match."

"I will approach this with the mindset of a challenger, giving it my all and going all out!"

(End of this chapter)