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

Chapter 322 A Trip to Shanghai! WTT's Latest Rules!

Chapter 322 A Trip to Shanghai! WTT's Latest Rules!
It was already late when the plane slowly landed at Pudong International Airport.

Chen Jin looked down through the porthole at the city that shone like gold.

Neon lights are dazzling, and the city is bustling with activity.

"It's finally almost here."

Zhang Jiahao next to him stretched and said, "I'm about to sit up all my hemorrhoids."

At this moment, Xie Mingyang also took off his Bluetooth headset and glanced out the window.

I spent two days in Changsha, tried the stinky tofu on the streets, and experienced the feeling of standing alone in the chilly autumn at Orange Isle.

The three then went to Zhangjiajie, because Zhang Jiahao said that it was the territory of the Zhang family and they had to go on a pilgrimage there.

The glass walkway, the bungee jump... the three of them had a great time.

It's getting dark, and I'm hungry.

Zhang Jiahao rubbed his stomach. "Where should we go for dinner later?"

The last sentence was said to Xie Mingyang.

Aren't you going back to your team?

Xie Mingyang said.

"Hey Xie, what do you mean by this?"

Zhang Jiahao immediately became alert. "You want to leave me behind and spend some time alone with Brother Jin?"

"Let me tell you, not a chance."

“I am Brother Jin’s personal bodyguard. Wherever Brother Jin goes, I go. We are inseparable. You can’t separate us.”

His expression was agitated, his words were intense, and he was spitting everywhere, almost spraying spittle onto Xie Mingyang's face through Chen Jin.

Xie Mingyang frowned and snorted coldly, "Nonsense."

However, he did not refute or reject the offer.

Got off the plane.

Dragging my luggage, I just exited the turnstile.

A tall, middle-aged man in a suit had already come forward to greet them.

"Master."

The middle-aged man respectfully took the suitcase from Xie Mingyang.

"Uncle Han, it's been a long time."

Xie Mingyang nodded and said, "This is my friend, Chen Jin."

As he spoke, he pointed at Chen Jin.

"Hello."

The middle-aged man smiled and extended his right palm toward Chen Jin.

"Hello."

Chen Jin glanced at him and saw that his fists were covered with calluses.

When I shook hands with him, the area between my thumb and forefinger felt a little rough.

It was obvious that the middle-aged man in front of them, who wore gold-rimmed glasses and looked refined, was no ordinary person.

Zhang Jiahao waited for a long time, but Xie Mingyang still didn't introduce himself. He started to get impatient: "Hey Xie, what do you mean? Do you think I don't exist?"

"Oh."

Xie Mingyang remained expressionless and said indifferently, "I almost forgot, this is my defeated opponent, named Zhang Jiahao."

Zhang Jiahao: "?"

What the hell...

He was about to unleash a few words of force as usual, but Chen Jin stopped him with a look.

Led by the middle-aged man, the three arrived at the parking lot and got into a black Maybach.

"Master."

The middle-aged man, sitting in the driver's seat, fastened his seatbelt and asked, "Where are we going first?"

Xie Mingyang didn't answer directly, but turned to Chen Jin and asked, "Why don't you stay at my place?"

This statement came out.

Before Chen Jin could speak...

The middle-aged man was taken aback, a look of surprise flashing in his eyes, as if he thought he had misheard.

Based on his understanding of Xie Mingyang, Xie Mingyang had never invited outsiders to his home, except for his family.

Moreover, the other party was a man.
"Could it be..."

Looking in the rearview mirror, the middle-aged man saw that Chen Jin was handsome and refined, and his heart skipped a beat. "Oh no!"

"Should we report this to the master?"

My mind hasn't changed.

Chen Jin asked, "Want to stay at your house?"

"Correct."

Xie Mingyang nodded. "Anyway, I live alone in Lane 88."

Although he couldn't understand what "88nong" meant, Chen Jin hesitated for a moment before politely declining.

After all, he noticed the middle-aged man's strange gaze in the rearview mirror.

"never mind."

Chen Jin said calmly, "I'll stay in a hotel."

"Row."

Xie Mingyang didn't press the matter further, and turned his head, "Uncle Han, could you ask for me if the 230 has been reserved yet?"

"no problem."

The middle-aged man took out his cell phone from his pocket.

"230?"

Chen Jin was slightly taken aback, completely unaware of what hotel code 230 represented.

On the contrary, Zhang Jiahao had lived in Shanghai for a period of time and had some understanding of the city's customs and culture.

"230? A hotel in the sky?"

Zhang Jiahao's throat tightened, and he swallowed hard, a hint of longing and envy flashing in his eyes.

"A hotel in the sky?"

Chen Jin remained completely baffled.

"It's that sphere from the Oriental Pearl Tower."

Zhang Jiahao said in a low voice, "There's only one house, and it's ridiculously expensive."

The Oriental Pearl Tower is world-famous.

Even though Chen Jin was a country bumpkin, he had heard of such places and was shocked: "This... how can I afford to live here?"

"Shanghai is my territory. Now that you're here, there's no reason for you to pay me."

Xie Mingyang's tone was as calm as ever, even somewhat indifferent, "Don't worry, I'll take care of all your food, clothing, accommodation, and transportation during this period."

His demeanor and actions exuded the aura of a domineering CEO.

If it weren't for the fact that Xie Mingyang was his mortal enemy, Zhang Jiahao would have already rushed over to cling to him.

"cut!"

Zhang Jiahao curled his lip and muttered under his breath, "So what if you have a few stinking bucks?"

"What did you say?"

Xie Mingyang glared at him.

"No, it's nothing."

Zhang Jiahao's aura was noticeably weaker than usual.

While talking.

The middle-aged man hung up the phone and said, "Young master, number 230 has already been reserved."

"Not negotiable?"

Xie Mingyang frowned.

"I'm afraid not."

The middle-aged man shook his head.

"Can't we think of another way?"

Xie Mingyang refused to give up.

"I……"

The middle-aged man was about to say, "I'll try again."

However, the words were not yet spoken.

But Chen Jin waved his hand repeatedly, saying, "No need, no need to go to so much trouble."

"Just pick any hotel."

Since the person in charge had spoken, Xie Mingyang didn't insist anymore: "Alright, then you'll have to make do with a regular hotel."

"Bulgari, how is it?"

"It's right next to Lane 88, and it's close to me too."

Bulgari?
This is what you call ordinary?
I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it.
Zhang Jiahao's eyes widened.

Chen Jin was completely unaware of the seriousness of the matter and still thought that Bulgari was just an ordinary, unremarkable hotel.

"can."

Chen Jin nodded. "Thank you for your help."

"Uncle Han, the Bulgari suite."

Xie Mingyang didn't even lift his eyelids.

"it is good."

The middle-aged man picked up his phone. "How many nights?"

"Today is the 20th, and the competition will continue until January 2nd."

Xie Mingyang said.

How many people are staying here?

The middle-aged man asked again.

Xie Mingyang glanced at Zhang Jiahao, who seemed hesitant to speak, and said calmly, "Two people."

"OK."

After performing a series of operations, the middle-aged man put down his phone and said, "Done."

After saying that, he started driving.

Navigate to the Bulgari Hotel.

While driving, Xie Mingyang continued, "I made a reservation at Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet, but I have to wait until noon on the 27th."

"I'll take you sightseeing in Shanghai tomorrow, Disneyland, the Bund... the whole itinerary is all planned."

"Also, I'm thinking of going to Ningbo the day after tomorrow, do you want to come along?"

Although Xie Mingyang didn't explain why he was going to Ningbo, Chen Jin seemed to understand instantly, nodding and saying, "Together."

Zhang Jiahao was left looking bewildered: "Why go to Ningbo? Are we going to the training base?"

"Didn't we agree to have a few days of fun? Why are we already back to training so soon?"

Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang exchanged a smile.

At this moment.

Suddenly, my phone vibrated.

The three of them reached into their pockets almost simultaneously.

"An official email from WTT?"

The three boys exchanged glances, each seeing a hint of surprise in the other's eyes.

I have no idea why I suddenly received an email from WTT.

"Could something have gone wrong with the Doha Stars Challenge?"

Xie Mingyang frowned slightly.

The WTT Doha Star Challenge will begin on January 6, 2025.

Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao had already received notification from the Chinese national table tennis team and had registered to participate in the competition.

Although they have to start from the qualifying rounds, it is an opportunity for the two of them to work hard to accumulate points and improve their ranking.

The problem is that only Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao participated in the Doha Stars Challenge.

As for Chen Jin, after the Chinese Super League ended, he immediately went to Sanya to participate in the national table tennis team's winter training, preparing for next year's Singapore Grand Slam, Asian Cup, and even the World Cup and World Table Tennis Championships.

However, Chen Jin still received an email from WTT.

"It has nothing to do with the Doha Stars Challenge."

Zhang Jiahao opened the email and glanced at it. "It's the latest WTT rules... Let me take a look."

At this moment.

Chen Jin's phone vibrated again.

It was Wang Hao calling.

"Coach Wang?"

Chen Jinfu answered the call.

Wang Hao's voice came through the phone immediately: "Chen Jin, did you receive the email?"

"received."

As Chen Jin spoke, he glanced out of the corner of his eye and saw Zhang Jiahao suddenly frown, as if he had discovered something extraordinary.

"Read it carefully, especially the details of the withdrawal penalty."

Wang Hao's voice was somewhat serious, "The higher-ups said that starting next year, the latest rules will be strictly enforced."

"Sign and confirm by next week at the latest, don't forget."

Having finished speaking.

Wang Hao then hurriedly hung up the phone.

Fine for withdrawing from the competition?
Chen Jin hadn't reacted yet.

Then Zhang Jiahao said, "...For participants in the main tournament and qualifiers, host wildcards, WTT nominees or youth nominees, unless a valid WTT medical withdrawal form and medical certificate are submitted and approved by WTT, and the player has not participated in any other non-WTT events during the period of the tournament, an additional withdrawal penalty will be charged."

"If a player withdraws from or is absent from a competition within 7 days before the start of the event, in addition to the withdrawal fine, a late withdrawal fine will be imposed based on the ITTF world ranking at the time of withdrawal, as detailed below:"

"The contestants ranked 1-20, 1000... Dao Le'er?"

Zhang Jiahao was taken aback. "Holy crap, the punishment is that severe?"

"The penalty for withdrawing from the competition can be as high as $5000."

Xie Mingyang said.

For him, this small amount of money was nothing.

However, for most players, this would probably be an unbearable burden.

"So cruel!"

Zhang Jiahao was speechless. "Luckily, I haven't made it into the top 20 yet. Otherwise, let alone playing in the competition, the fines would probably bankrupt me."

"Brother Jin, you're currently ranked second in the world, so you'd better be careful."

Chen Jin smiled slightly, not taking it to heart.

Although his record is impressive, he is still very young.

No one can predict what the future holds.

We must seize the moment and make the most of every opportunity to participate in the competition.

The opportunity to participate is rare and precious, so how could I easily withdraw from the competition?
Therefore, none of the three thought about it too deeply.

Little did they know that this very email would cause a huge uproar in the world of table tennis just a week later.

……

12 month 27 day.

nine in the morning.

Accompanied by Zhang Jiahao, Chen Jin arrived outside the Xuperman Arena.

Xuperma's owner, Xu Xin, had been waiting for a long time and personally came out to greet them.

"welcome."

Before even seeing him, Xu Xin heard his hearty laughter. He quickly stepped forward and stretched out his palm from afar, saying, "Welcome to Xuperman's second lifetime VIP guest after Ma Long."

"Lifetime VIP?"

Chen Jin laughed and asked, "Is it free?"

"of course not."

Xu Xin smiled and said, "Staff, bring up the QR code so Chen Jin can scan it."

Amidst jokes.

Chen Jin and Xu Xin walked into the stadium side by side.

The stadium is quite spacious, and in addition to the ping pong tables, there is also a coffee area.

Would you like a cup of coffee?

Xu Xin laughed and said, "I brewed it myself. When Ma Long came to my place last time, he drank it and praised it highly."

As he spoke, he walked into the operating room, adding, "Besides, I didn't learn how to make latte art when Ma Long came last time."

"But this time, I learned it."

"Chen Jin, you're the first person to drink my latte art coffee... no, my latte art coffee."

"Even Mataki doesn't have this kind of luck."

Watching Xu Xin skillfully operate the coffee machine, Chen Jin laughed and said, "Brother Xin, you're still too versatile."

"Excellent."

Xu Xin laughed and said, "No matter how well-rounded I am, I'm not as well-rounded as our newly developed racket."

"After you finish your coffee, I'll help you try making it."

I came to Xuperman Stadium specifically to try out the new racket.

How could Chen Jin refuse?

Holding a coffee, I toured the entire stadium under Xu Xin's guidance.

Soon, they arrived at the outside of a room.

Xu Xin explained, "This is the court that Xuperman uses specifically for testing new rackets..."

As they were talking, they pushed open the door and went inside.

In the spacious room, besides a ping-pong table, there were various instruments for testing ball speed and spin.

An ultra-high-definition display screen is mounted on the wall.

Meanwhile, several players were testing the performance of their rackets and rubbers.

Standing to the side, watching for a while, Xu Xin said with some disdain, "Forehand topspin, 81 km/h?"

"Guys, haven't you eaten yet?"

Hear the words.

Chen Jin laughed and said, "Brother Xin, why don't you show us what you've got?"

It's worth noting that when Xu Xin was in the national team, at his peak, he was known as the "world's best forehand player."

His ability to unleash a powerful topspin forehand, in particular, is breathtaking in its power, speed, and spin.

"Row."

Xu Xin took off his coat, walked forward, took the racket from the player, and stretched his arms. "I'll just have to show off my limited skills before an expert."

Warm up a little.

The moment he bent down, his previously playful expression instantly turned serious.

His expression was stern, his gaze sharp, and his eyes fixed on the ball-serving machine in front of him.

Sudden.

The ball machine spits out a topspin ball.

As the ball rose, Xu Xin swung it out with a forehand.

"Snapped!"

Penetrating the base plate.

next second.

A string of numbers appeared on the display screen.

"Only 98 km/h?"

Xu Xin was clearly not satisfied with his performance. "I didn't even break 100?"