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

Chapter 319 Wang Chuqin: Taking advantage of the doubles match, I will hand Chen Jin his first defeat!
The vast stadium was brightly lit, like daytime.

The air was filled with the smell of sweat and floor mats.

On the referee's table, the red numbers on the electronic scoreboard were frozen at 11:9.

The moment the last ball hit the ground.

The entire venue erupted in a tsunami of cheers.

Chen Jin stood there, sweat trickling down his face, shimmering under the spotlight.

"competition is over."

The referee's voice was calm and composed: "Chen Jin of S Province team defeats Fan Zhendong of Shanghai Real Estate team with a score of 3:1."

Instantly.

Zhang Jiahao suddenly jumped up from his seat, his face full of excitement and his fists clenched.

I almost blurted out "Cuo lei".

Fortunately, he reacted in time.

The fist had just been raised halfway into the air when it abruptly stopped.

He scratched the tip of his nose, and under the watchful eyes of Zhang Yang, Xu Xin, and the others, he sat down again dejectedly.

"Pity."

Zhang Jiahao shook his head and sighed, "Brother Dong almost won."

His words were clearly insincere.

Zhang Yang glared at Zhang Jiahao with some dissatisfaction. "Can you at least shut your mouth?"

Among those present, Zhang Jiahao was not the only one who couldn't suppress his smile.

Xie Mingyang sat beside him. His eyes were slightly narrowed as he watched Chen Jin on the field. A smile appeared on his lips as he silently said to himself, "Congratulations."

the other side.

Chen Longcan had already jumped up excitedly, clenching his fist and roaring, "Braise—!"

This young man in front of us defeated the five top male table tennis players of the Paris cycle in just three months.

Such a feat is comparable to Zhang Jike's legendary feat of breaking through two kings and one horse back then.

From then on, a new king ascended the throne.

A new era of table tennis belonging to Chen Jin is about to begin!
Compared to others.

Only Chen Jin himself had a calm expression on his face, like a deep pool, without much joy, only a cold and clear-headedness.

Because he knew very well that although he had won this match, it had been more difficult than any of his previous matches.

The reason he won the first two games so quickly was largely due to Fan Zhendong's form.

Withdrawing from competitions one after another and lacking systematic training... just as Wang Liqin said, Fan Zhendong has only recovered 80% of his usual strength.

Even so, Fan Zhendong's performance in the last two games put Chen Jin under immense pressure.

It's hard to imagine how terrifying Fan Zhendong's strength would have been at his peak.

Technically speaking, Fan Zhendong's peak performances were at the 2017 Düsseldorf World Table Tennis Championships and the 2023 Durban World Table Tennis Championships.

Winning the men's singles title at the Paris Olympics represents a significant improvement in his mindset.

Unfortunately, Fan Zhendong is now receiving less training.

Ultimately, one's strength and condition will have some impact.

Moreover, it's just a Chinese Super League team competition, not one of the three major tournaments.

If Fan Zhendong were to return to the arena and meet him in one of the three major tournaments, what a sight it would be!

Chen Jin couldn't help but feel a sense of anticipation.

At this moment.

Fan Zhendong reached out his hand and looked at Chen Jin, saying, "Well done."

His voice was slightly hoarse.

His jersey was completely soaked and clung to his body, outlining the muscle lines honed by years of training.

In the last two games of this match, he felt that he had some of the feel and form of his peak period.

Despite his best efforts, he ultimately failed to defeat Chen Jin.

It has to be said that this boy, who is not yet sixteen, is more terrifying than he was back then.

"Even if I return to the competition, starting from the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, Chen Jin can gradually become the leader of men's table tennis."

Fan Zhendong made a prediction in his heart.

What moved him most during their first encounter was Chen Jin's focus on the court and his desire to win.

In a daze, he seemed to see his own shadow from ten years ago in Chen Jin.

Deep within, something that had gradually faded away began to resurface.

Having competed in table tennis for so many years, dedicating ten years to singles, I have certainly put in a lot of hard work, even if I haven't achieved great success.

But the hotel incident brought him to the brink of collapse.

Fortunately, with Zhao Zihao's company and the help of the Shanghai team, he regained his confidence.

On the eve of the Paris Olympics, his round of 16 finish at the Saudi Grand Slam tournament made him doubt himself.

In the Olympic men's singles, he is the only player in his half of the draw.

The battle with Zhang Ben was fierce and costly.

Now, having won the Super Grand Slam, he has achieved great success and his professional career is complete.

I've completely relaxed and started thinking about my future life plans.

At twenty-eight, he was at the peak of his career.

But what happens after the peak?
The world is so big, there are probably many more things worth trying...

Chen Jin gently grasped the calloused right hand, feeling the warmth from the other's palm: "Thank you, Brother Dong."

"A true Grand Slam champion, he truly lives up to his name."

Hear the words.

Fan Zhendong smiled.

The fine lines around the eyes have smoothed out.

Reaching out to gently pat Chen Jin's shoulder, Fan Zhendong's eyes were full of encouragement: "You can do it too."

"I really hope to face you again in a real singles match."

Chen Jin said in a low voice.

"..."

Fan Zhendong suddenly raised an eyebrow.

In that instant, a flame seemed to flicker in his eyes.

However, he didn't say anything.

After shaking hands with the referee, he turned and walked off the field.

"What are you thinking about?"

Zhao Zihao looked at Fan Zhendong, who seemed to be deep in thought, with a worried expression on his face.

I thought he was unwilling to lose to a young player who was only fifteen or sixteen years old.

For table tennis players, a Grand Slam is not only an honor, but also a huge pressure.

Once a team loses, it will attract countless questions.

In fact, the moment Fan Zhendong lost the game, the trending topics page had already attracted a swarm of flies.

"nothing."

Fan Zhendong took a clean jersey out of his backpack. "I'm going to the locker room to change."

Having finished speaking.

He left the stadium alone and headed to the rest area.

Unexpectedly, Wang Liqin had been waiting in the lounge for quite some time.

"Director Wang?"

Fan Zhendong was taken aback. "What are you doing here?"

"Come and see you."

Wang Liqin smiled and asked, "How do you feel?"

"How does it feel?"

Fan Zhendong countered with a question.

"The match against Chen Jin."

Wang Liqin said.

"Uh……"

Fan Zhendong pondered for a moment, then said, "This newcomer is indeed very strong; I have high hopes for him."

"If he can be properly nurtured, he might be the next Super Grand Slam winner..."

His words came from the bottom of his heart.

But Wang Liqin interrupted him.

Wang Liqin shook his head: "I'm not asking about your feelings for Chen Jin, but about yourself."

"Myself?"

Fan Zhendong was taken aback again.

“You told me before that you wanted to try something other than table tennis.”

Wang Liqin said, "For example, go to another Taylor Swift concert, try baseball, tennis, soccer..."

Fan Zhendong fell silent.

When he wrote "last dance" on Weibo in May, he already knew that Paris might be his last Olympics.

Therefore, at the Paris Olympics, he gave it his all, fighting for himself and for his country. His dream was fulfilled, but the immense psychological strain left over from the Paris cycle, especially the overall environment for Chinese table tennis, left him exhausted and a thought of retiring began to stir within him.

Wang Liqin continued, "Not long ago, the leaders of the General Administration of Sport approached me, wanting me to take charge of the Table Tennis Association. I said I would think about it first."

"If that day ever comes, I still hope you can come back."

Wang Liqin looked at Fan Zhendong and said, "You've played against Chen Jin before, so you should understand that Chen Jin will definitely be the future of our national table tennis team."

"However, he is still young and needs some experience."

"At present, Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun are not good enough. Only you may be able to do it."

……

When Fan Zhendong returned to the field, he seemed much more relaxed, sitting on the sidelines chatting and laughing with Zhao Zihao.

Meanwhile, the match was still ongoing.

Lin Yun-ru versus Xu Xin.

Lin Yun-Ju was under immense pressure in this match as well.

After all, his previous record against Xu Xin was zero wins and four losses.

This is the first time the two have faced off since Xu Xin retired from the national team.

Lin Yunru felt a little scared.

But, as Chen Jin said before the match, "Xu Xin is no longer the Xu Xin of the past. Whether he can get revenge depends on this match."

The first game ended 11-5.

This put Lin Yunru's mind at ease.

Although Xu Xin still has the feel for the ball, he lacks regular training and his footwork is no longer as agile as it used to be.

In addition, Lin Yun-ru's own abilities have also improved considerably over the years.

Winning the first game gave them a psychological advantage.

The following matches were much easier.

Lin Yun-Ju won three straight games, defeating Hsu Hsin 3-0.

They helped the S province team turn the score around.

The fourth match.

Yan Sheng versus Zhou Kai.

Despite losing the first game, Yan Sheng withstood the pressure and won three games in a row.

The moment we won the game.

Yan Sheng threw down his racket, knelt on the ground, and almost cried: "I didn't drag the team down!"

Of the three, he was the weakest.

Facing Zhou Kai, a former member of the national table tennis team, the pressure must have been immense.

Fortunately, the ending is good.

S Province team defeated Shanghai Real Estate team with a score of 3:1.

Having cracked such a tough nut, Chen Longcan's wrinkles deepened with a smile.

……

The next few days.

Led by Chen Jin and Lin Yunru, the S Province team swept through the competition, defeating Luneng, Huangshi Huaxin, Changshan Shangti, Baoan Mingjinhai, and Zhongchao Cable.

12 month 16 day.

The eighth day of the Chinese Table Tennis Super League.

This is also the last day of the first stage.

S Province Team vs. Weiqiao Team.

The night before.

Weiqiao team coach Yin Xiao called all the players, including Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, and Huang Youzheng, to his room.

Coach Yin Xiao is an absolutely meritorious coach.

Back then, Zhang Jike was sent back to the provincial team, and he almost lost confidence and gave up on himself.

It was under Coach Yin Xiao's encouragement that they rallied, practiced their skills diligently, and made it back to the national table tennis team.

"Everyone knows who our opponent will be tomorrow, right?"

Yin Xiao looked around at everyone and said, "That's right, it's the S Province team."

"The S Province team currently has the same points as us, both with seven wins out of seven games."

"Therefore, the outcome of tomorrow's match will be a battle for first place in the group stage."

talking.

Take out a small notebook and place it on your crossed knee.

"Due to the personnel configuration issues of the S Province team, judging from the matches in the past few days, their formation has not changed much."

Yin Xiao continued, "I predict that tomorrow's match will be the same."

"Chen Jin and Lin Yun-ju will play doubles, Yan Sheng will play singles, Chen Jin will play singles, and Lin Yun-ju will play singles."

Compared to the single-player configuration of the S Province team.

The Weiqiao team, boasting players such as Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, Huang Youzheng, and Zhou Qihao, is quite different.

Because there are two left-handed players, the doubles combination is more flexible.

In previous matches, Weiqiao team's lineup mostly consisted of Liang Jingkun and Huang Youzheng playing doubles, Wang Chuqin playing singles, Liang Jingkun playing second singles, and Huang Youzheng playing third singles.

However, against the S province team, this lineup might result in one win and one loss.

The doubles partnership and overall strength of Chen Jin and Lin Yun-ju are clearly superior to those of Liang Jingkun and Huang Youzheng.

As for Yan Sheng, how could he possibly be a match for Wang Chuqin?
Of course, on the other hand, as a well-known professional refrigeration engineer in the table tennis world, even against a relatively minor player like Yan Sheng, Wang Chuqin might still make a big mistake.

If this matchup is followed, Weiqiao team's chances of winning are slim.

Only by changing tactics can we have a chance.

"How about this?"

Wang Chuqin suddenly spoke up, "This time, Kun and I will play doubles, and Huang Youzheng will play singles."

Although he lost both of his singles matches against Chen Jin.

However, doubles is different from singles.

As the World Table Tennis Championships men's doubles champion and the Paris Olympics mixed doubles champion, Wang Chuqin boasts that doubles is his absolute domain.

Even if you have a dog by your side, you can still win a doubles match no matter who your opponent is.

Moreover, his partner was Liang Jingkun.

The two had previously won the men's doubles title together at the BJ Grand Slam.

With their individual skill and perfect teamwork, the two are virtually invincible in doubles.

This is something that amateurs like Chen Jin and Lin Yunru, who are halfway through their careers, can't possibly pull off.

Wang Chuqin thought to himself, "This is a perfect opportunity to hand Chen Jin his first defeat in the doubles!"

Thinking about it this way, I became even more determined to team up with Liang Jingkun for doubles.

"Ah."

Yin Xiao nodded and gave Wang Chuqin an approving look. "This kind of troop deployment is indeed a good choice."

"At least, the win rate in doubles and singles has improved significantly."

"Okay, it's settled."

"but--"

Yin Xiao glanced at Wang Chuqin, then at Liang Jingkun, and suddenly changed the subject, "Which of you two will be the second singles player?"

"..."

Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun exchanged a glance.

They then realized that if the two of them teamed up for doubles, one of them would inevitably face Chen Jin in the second singles match.

Both of them had lost to Chen Jin in previous singles matches, and they knew just how terrifying Chen Jin's strength was.

For a moment, none of them dared to answer.

Upon seeing this, Yin Xiao couldn't help but frown.

The two people in front of me are both key players in the Chinese national table tennis team and have seen it all.

Unexpectedly, he would be so timid when facing a young player who had just debuted.

"Is this Chen Jin really that terrifying?"

Half an hour passed.

The room remained silent.

Yin Xiao's brows furrowed even deeper.

There was a pause.

Wang Chuqin spoke first, then turned to Liang Jingkun and said, "I've already fought Chen Jin twice, why don't you go this time, Brother Kun?"

"Only twice."

Liang Jingkun said, "Don't you want to take this opportunity to get revenge?"

"We're all teammates, why talk about revenge?"

Wang Chuqin remained expressionless. "I simply feel that with your strength, Brother Kun, there's a high probability you can defeat Chen Jin."

"..."

Liang Jingkun thought for a moment and said, "Alright, I'll play the second single."

I'm used to clearing mines for others, so what's one more time?

(End of this chapter)