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

Chapter 312 Do you want to face off against Fan Zhendong in a match?
7:30 p.m.

It's getting dark.

The gymnasium at Central South University, however, was brightly lit.

Pushing open the door to the training hall, a smell mixed with sweat and floor mats hits you.

Standing at the entrance, I scanned the venue.

Most of the main players of the Chinese national table tennis team are gathered here.

Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun are practicing mid-court forehand rallies at a table in the corner.

Xu Xin sat on the stool, completely focused on pasting the rubber.

Lin Shidong and his teammates stretched together, chatting and laughing.

Of course, the most eye-catching figure was the tall, upright one in the center of the field.

—Fan Zhendong!

Apart from Ma Long, who was invited to participate in the Old Waldner Cup, all the main players of the Chinese national table tennis team have arrived.

"Chen Jin?"

Xu Xin was the first to spot him. He immediately put down his racket, stood up, and greeted him with a smile.

"Brother Xin."

Chen Jin and Xu Xin shook hands. "Long time no see."

"It's because you haven't seen me in a long time."

Xu Xin laughed and said, "I often see you in the live broadcasts of the matches."

"WTT Grand Finals, World Youth Championships... I've watched all your matches."

After all, Chen Jin is now one of the key figures in the world of table tennis.

Xu Xin would never easily miss this opportunity to promote his own Xuperman brand.

"Speaking of the WTT Grand Finals, I also want to thank you, Brother Xin."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "If it weren't for the test racket you gave me, I probably would have had to withdraw from the competition. You really helped me a lot."

"Ashamed."

Xu Xin shrugged slightly. "The backhand of that racket does have some issues."

"However, the new racket is almost ready. You can try it out once you make it to the semifinals."

According to the Chinese Table Tennis Super League's competition format, the top four teams will advance to the second stage.

The second stage of the race happened to be held in Shanghai.

"You can try it then."

Chen Jin's hospitality was too much to refuse.

"Being able to win the WTT Finals with our test racket means you have a special connection with Xuperman."

Xu Xin chuckled and patted Chen Jin on the shoulder, "Why don't you just give in to me?"

"I want to sign you as soon as possible before you win the three major championships, otherwise it will be even more difficult in the future."

With Chen Jin's current achievements, his commercial value is extremely high.

However, due to the tight schedule and constant travel recently, I have no time to spare.

However, table tennis brands such as Double Happiness, Butterfly, Tibhart, and Donic, which have been deeply involved in the sport for decades, have already extended olive branches to Chen Jin through various channels.

Compared to these established brands, Xuperman has absolutely no competitive advantage in terms of signing fees or brand recognition.

The only way is to rely on Xu Xin, the boss, to gain some influence and play the emotional card.

"rest assured."

Chen Jin blinked and said with a smile, "If possible, I would definitely consider Brother Xin and Xuperman first."

"Then it's settled."

Xu Xin grinned.

If Chen Jin can be signed, the impact and value on the Xuperman brand will be self-evident.

at this time.

A deep male voice came from behind: "Chen Jin, long time no see."

Looking back, he saw Wang Liqin smiling as she walked towards him.

"Director Wang."

Chen Jin extended his respectful greetings.

"It's only been a little over a month, and you've already won several more championships."

Looking Chen Jin up and down, Wang Liqin's eyes were full of admiration, which he couldn't hide at all. "How have you thought about joining our Shanghai team?"

"Uh……"

Knowing that Wang Liqin would bring up this issue every time they met, Chen Jin was at a loss for words and replied, "I'm considering it."

He said that, but he knew the truth in his heart.

Because of Zhang Jiahao's matter, he owed Wang Liqin a favor, which he would have to repay sooner or later.

Moreover, the S Province team spent a lot of money to bring in Lin Yun-ju as a foreign aid in this table tennis super league, which was nothing more than wanting to relieve his psychological burden.

"There are still six months until the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships. It's not a long time, but it's not short either."

Wang Liqin said, "I'll say it again: as long as you join the Shanghai team, your treatment will be no less than that of Fan Zhendong."

During the Paris Olympics, Wang Liqin personally led the coaching team of the Shanghai team to Paris to provide Fan Zhendong with the strongest logistical support.

It can be said that Wang Liqin and the Shanghai team also contributed to Fan Zhendong's victory in Paris, which allowed him to realize his dream of a super Grand Slam.

If we rely solely on the limited resources of the Chinese national table tennis team, there are far too many players and not enough resources to go around.

Besides the Beijing team, the only other team that can truly provide support for the players is the Shanghai team.

In the recent National Championships, led by Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin, they successfully won the title.

However, this was under the condition that all the main players of the Chinese national table tennis team were absent.

Compared to the Beijing team, the Shandong team, and even the Lingnan team, the Shanghai team is clearly in decline.

Although Fan Zhendong was in charge, the other main forces, such as Xu Xin and Zhou Kai, were all veterans in their thirties.

As for young players like Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao, they are still in the learning phase and have not yet truly matured.

Even Xu Xin himself has joked more than once that the Shanghai team is a true retirement team.

In contrast, the Beijing team not only boasts Ma Long, but also players like Wang Chuqin and Huang Youzheng, who are all in their prime.

The best way for the Shanghai team to break the deadlock is to bring in the talented young player Chen Jin.

Otherwise, we will only become more and more passive in future competitions.

"clear."

Chen Jin nodded and said, "I will give Director Wang an explanation after the Chinese Table Tennis Super League ends."

"it is good."

Wang Liqin wasn't in a hurry. "I'll wait for you."

"Joining the Shanghai team shouldn't require me to pay any kind of 'pledge of allegiance,' right?"

Chen Jin smiled.

"Of course not."

Wang Liqin laughed heartily.

Talking and laughing.

His eyes turned.

Accompanied by Xie Mingyang, Fan Zhendong was seen sweating profusely and moving with lightning speed, conducting a full-scale, unpredictable pace training session across Taiwan.

His vest was already soaked with sweat.

Since the Paris Olympics, Fan Zhendong has been traveling around participating in various activities.

Apart from the National Championships, he has not played in any other competitions.

More than a month later, he returned to the competition.

Both in terms of feel and form, they remain at a high level.

Wang Liqin glanced at Chen Jin and smiled slightly: "Would you like to face off against Fan Zhendong in the competition?"

"miss you!"

Chen Jin's heart suddenly started racing.

The answer was brief, but the voice was unusually firm.

In just three months, he defeated almost all of the main players of the Chinese national table tennis team, including Ma Long.

Now only Fan Zhendong remains, and there hasn't been a chance to fight him yet.

Fan Zhendong debuted at a young age and rose to fame at sixteen. Known as the "Violent Panda," he joined forces with Ma Long in the post-Rio Three Musketeers era to support the Chinese national table tennis team.

Three-time World Cup champion, three-time World Table Tennis Championships champion, Super Grand Slam...

Numerous honors and overall strength demonstrate that Fan Zhendong is truly the world's number one active player.

Compared to Wang Chuqin, who is ranked number one in the world, Chen Jin wants to defeat Fan Zhendong and prove himself.

"According to the schedule, we will face each other on the 13th."

Wang Liqin said in a low voice, "Our order is for Fan Zhendong."

The implication couldn't be clearer.

How could Chen Jin not understand?

If he could become the top singles player for the S Province team, he would finally be able to face off against Fan Zhendong. Looking at Fan Zhendong during training, Chen Jin pondered for a moment before asking, "Brother Dong, you haven't played a match in so long, how's your form?"

"good."

Wang Liqin said, "At least 80% of my usual strength."

"That's... such a pity."

Chen Jin thought for a moment and said, "The lineup and formation are the coach's business. I wonder if I will be assigned to play a single."

Team competitions are different from singles competitions.

The things that need to be considered are naturally different.

Given the current situation of the Shanghai team, if Fan Zhendong plays as the first singles player, then the doubles pairing will inevitably be Xu Xin and Zhou Kai.

In this case, the doubles pair of Lin Yun-ju and Yan Sheng would probably have a hard time dealing with them.

Although Xu Xin jokingly calls himself a "retirement team," physical fitness remains a major issue for him after retiring from the national table tennis team.

However, judging from his performance in the National Championships, Xu Xin's touch is as good as ever.

In addition, they have a wealth of experience on the field.

If they lose the doubles, what's the point of bringing in Lin Yun-ju as a foreign aid?

"clear."

Wang Liqin smiled and said, "Alright, let's stop here for now. Lin Yunru is waiting for you to train together."

As he spoke, he gently patted Chen Jin's arm.

Chen Jin nodded, slung his backpack over his shoulder, and walked toward the training table tennis table.

At this moment, Fan Zhendong finished training and was wiping away sweat with a towel.

They seem to be in sync.

The two of them turned to look at each other at the same time.

Their eyes met briefly in the air.

Fan Zhendong smiled and nodded in acknowledgment.

Chen Jin responded with a smile.

They didn't say a word, yet it spoke volumes.

soon.

Chen Jin and Lin Yun-ju then devoted themselves to doubles training.

The two, one on the right and one on the left, constantly communicated and worked together during training, positioning themselves and covering for each other, and their teamwork became increasingly seamless.

Chen Longcan stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, watching the two train, a satisfied smile appearing on his lips.

"Our S Province team finally has a chance to win the Table Tennis Super League championship this time."

My mind hasn't changed.

Laughter rang out beside him: "Coach Chen, to pair with Chen Jin, I didn't expect you to actually hire Lin Yunru as a foreign aid. It seems that your S Province team came prepared this time and is confident of victory."

Hearing the sound, Chen Longcan turned his head to look.

The speaker was none other than Wang Liqin.

"no way."

Chen Longcan sighed, "If we don't win the championship in this table tennis league, Chen Jin definitely won't leave."

“Our S Province team has neither power nor the wealth of your Shanghai team. Forcing Chen Jin would only bury talent. We might as well let him go as soon as possible.”

Given Chen Jin's strength and achievements, he will definitely be able to participate in next year's World Cup and World Table Tennis Championships.

The foundation of the S Province team was insufficient to provide Chen Jin with adequate resources.

Only the Beijing team or the Shanghai team would be the best place for Chen Jin.

Chen Longcan was well aware of this.

Although the S Province team has gone to great lengths to cultivate such a talent, for the sake of Chen Jin's future, letting go at the right time is the best option.

"unwilling?"

Wang Liqin glanced at Chen Longcan.

"Kind of."

Chen Longcan smiled wryly, "It feels like an old father is about to marry off his daughter."

"Don't worry, father-in-law, I will take good care of Chen Jin."

Wang Liqin laughed and said, "Moreover, the bride price will not be reduced by a single penny."

"Then we still need to prepare a dowry?"

Chen Longcan laughed.

"How about this, Chen Jin's organizational affiliation will remain with your S Province team for the time being?"

Wang Liqin said slowly, "I'll switch over after the National Games next year."

In other words, Chen Jin can still represent the S Province team at tomorrow's National Games.

This is the biggest concession Wang Liqin could make.

"Of course, we will still give Chen Jin the best resources for the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships to help him win the championship."

Wang Liqin added.

"Wouldn't we have gotten a great deal?"

Chen Longcan said.

"As long as we can get Chen Jin to join our Shanghai team, we'll be the ones getting the best deal."

Wang Liqin smiled slightly.

……

The 2024 Chinese Table Tennis Super League season includes the first stage round-robin tournament and the second stage finals.

The event will last for a total of eight days.

The men's team consists of nine club teams, including Fenggu Team of S Province, Shanghai Real Estate Group, Qilu Weiqiao, and Beijing Baxi.

The top four teams will advance to the second stage finals in the team competition.

In their first match, the S Province team will face the Shantou Mingrun team, led by Lin Gaoyuan.

"The Mingrun team only has three participants: Lin Gaoyuan, Xu Haidong, and Chen Yuanyu."

On the eve of the competition, Chen Jin and others gathered in Chen Longcan's room to discuss the competition that was about to begin the next day.

"Lin Gaoyuan needs no introduction; he is one of the five main players of the Chinese national table tennis team and a renowned left-handed player."

Chen Longcan said with a serious expression, "Xu Haidong and Chen Yuanyu are also players on the national table tennis team, and their strength should not be underestimated."

"Moreover, Xu Haidong, like Chen Jin, is a penhold grip player with a backhand topspin."

At this point, Chen Longcan paused, glanced at Chen Jin beside him, and smiled, "Of course, there are differences between penhold grips as well."

"Because Mingrun team only has one left-handed player, I estimate that Lin Gaoyuan will definitely play doubles, either with Xu Haidong or with Chen Yuanyu."

"In the first match, we must build morale, and we must win this point in the doubles!"

Chen Longcan spoke sternly and decisively, "Chen Jin, Lin Yunru, the doubles are in your hands."

"no problem!"

Chen Jin and Lin Yunru exchanged a glance and nodded simultaneously.

"Yan Sheng."

Chen Longcan added, "You're the one in charge, so you have to shoulder the responsibility."

As a key player in the S Province team, 24-year-old Yan Sheng has also made it into the national table tennis team.

It is an extremely rare penhold grip with short pips rubber fast attack style.

There is still a considerable gap between him and Chen Jin.

Facing Xu Haidong or Chen Yuanyu, there is also a lot of pressure.

However, Yan Sheng did not back down.

"Don't worry, Instructor Chen."

Yan Sheng's eyes showed determination. "I will do my best and not hold the team back."

"very good."

Chen Longcan gave him an encouraging look and continued, "I predict that Lin Gaoyuan will most likely be the second singles player for the Mingrun team, in addition to doubles."

After all, according to the format of the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, it is a best-of-five series.

Lin Gaoyuan needs to guard the second order and provide support for the team.

"So, Chen Jin, you'll be the second player."

Chen Longcan turned his gaze to Chen Jin.

Although Lin Yun-ju's record against Lin Gao-yuan is four wins and two losses so far.

However, to be on the safe side, Chen Jin will face off against Lin Gaoyuan.

Chen Longcan was certain that Chen Jin would secure this point.

Moreover, with such a formation, a point in doubles is almost guaranteed.

Even if Yan Sheng loses a point, and Chen Jin defeats Lin Gaoyuan, Lin Yunru will have an easier time facing either Xu Haidong or Chen Yuanyu.

"I predict that we will beat Mingrun team by a maximum of 3-1 in tomorrow's game."

Chen Longcan was confident and had a plan in mind.

(End of this chapter)