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

Chapter 330 Winter Training Begins

That evening, the S Province team held a celebration banquet.

However, Chen Jin did not participate.

It's not that he forgot his old friendship after signing with the Shanghai team.

Rather, it was because he was to join the main group and head to Hainan for winter training early the next morning.

The next morning at 6:30.

Chen Jin packed his luggage and went to the hotel lobby, where he found Lin Shidong already waiting for him.

"Just you?"

Chen Jin looked around. "Where is everyone else?"

"They haven't arrived yet."

Lin Shidong put his phone in his pocket and smiled, "Congratulations."

"Thank you."

Chen Jin responded with a smile.

"This trip to Hainan is to my territory."

Lin Shidong said, "After winter training is over, come to my house for a bowl of pork rib noodle soup?"

"Do you still need to say it?"

Chen Jin laughed and said, "Didn't we already agree on this last time?"

While talking.

Liu Guoliang, Qin Zhijian and other national table tennis stars, as well as Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun and others, arrived one after another.

To Chen Jin's surprise, he saw Liu Dingshuo again.

Liu Dingshuo was seen helping Wang Chuqin drag his suitcase, walking ahead like a bodyguard.

Wang Chuqin, on the other hand, stood with his hands in his pockets, looking calm and composed, like a young master going on an outing.

"Liu Dingshuo?"

Chen Jin frowned slightly. "Why is he here too?"

"The coaching staff probably called him back to be Tou Ge's sparring partner."

Lin Shidong said in a low voice.

During the Macau Championship, Zhang Jiahao and Liu Dingshuo had a conflict.

This incident has become common knowledge throughout the Chinese national table tennis team.

Ultimately, both of them were sent back to the provincial team.

Zhang Jiahao almost ruined his professional career because of this, but fortunately, through Chen Jin's connections, he was able to join the Shanghai team.

Later, he returned to the national table tennis team by winning the singles title at the National Championships.

In contrast, Liu Dingshuo was not so lucky.

Liu Dingshuo had already faced considerable criticism due to the laughing incident at the Paris Olympics.

Deng Yaping's question, "Who is Liu Dingshuo? Is he a professional athlete?" completely cemented Liu Dingshuo's place on the pillar of shame.

Following his conflict with Zhang Jiahao, Liu Dingshuo left the Chinese national table tennis team. Due to his age and other reasons, his return to the team is now hopeless.

However, thanks to his "good brother" relationship with Wang Chuqin, he also gained some fans through online live streaming.

As for the composition of the supporters, it goes without saying.

Liu Dingshuo's re-employment during this winter training camp was clearly due to Wang Chuqin.

"I see."

Chen Jin nodded and said nothing more.

Once everyone had arrived, we boarded a bus and headed to Pudong International Airport.

As soon as he got into the car, Chen Jin turned his head and glanced through the car window. He saw a figure standing far away at the hotel entrance.

"dad?"

Chen Jin stood up abruptly.

He got up halfway, then sat back down.

The team leader reminded everyone, "We're about to depart, everyone fasten your seatbelts."

Through the car window, Chen Jin gazed into the distance.

The hot breath he exhaled from his mouth and nose sprayed a cloud of white mist onto the cold glass, blurring Chen Jianguo's figure.

The early winter morning was bitterly cold.

Chen Jianguo stood outside the hotel entrance, like a statue, gazing at the bus in the distance.

They neither left nor came closer.

He just watched quietly as the bus slowly drove away.

Half an hour passed.

Sudden.

My phone vibrated in my pocket.

Chen Jianguo took it out and saw it was a message from Chen Jinfa: "Dad, go back and take care of yourself."

"You too."

In the cold wind, Chen Jianguo huddled up.

At this moment, the sky began to lighten with the first hint of dawn.

……

The sunlight in Sanya streamed through the airplane window, falling on Chen Jin's profile and making him squint slightly.

Chen Jin sat up slightly, adjusted the sunshade, and looked down at the gradually clearing scenery below.

The sea is azure blue, embracing the island.

White buildings dot the landscape amidst the swaying coconut palms.

Welcome to Hainan.

Sitting next to Chen Jin, Lin Shidong grinned and said, "Judging from your appearance, is this your first time in Hainan?"

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded, tapping his fingers lightly on the armrest. "This is also my first time participating in winter training."

"Actually, winter training isn't a big deal."

Lin Shidong laughed and said, "At most, it's just that I feel like throwing up from training every day."

At this moment.

An announcement came over the airport's public address system, reminding passengers to prepare for landing.

Chen Jin took a deep breath.

This winter training is in preparation for the Singapore Grand Slam, the Asian Cup, and even the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships.

Every match is crucial for him.

If he wins the WTT Singapore Grand Slam, he will become the world number one.

He became the youngest and fastest player to ever rank first in the world volleyball rankings.

The Asian Cup, the World Cup, and the World Table Tennis Championships are all competitions that a Super Grand Slam winner must compete for.

The World Table Tennis Championships, in particular, represent the highest level of competition for professional table tennis players.

Now, Mataki and Fan Zhendong have dropped out of the world rankings.

Apart from Ovtcharov, there are no other champions in the three major tournaments on the world ranking list.

Whether it's Wang Chuqin, who holds the title of "world number one," Chen Jin, who is "undefeated," or Liang Jingkun, Lin Shidong, and others, they all have their eyes on the championship of the three major tournaments.

Whoever wins the three major championships first will be the undisputed "number one player in Chinese table tennis".

This winter training in Sanya is the perfect opportunity for everyone to identify weaknesses, fill gaps, and improve their skills.

After the Paris Olympics, Chen Jin suddenly emerged as a dark horse, catching the world of table tennis off guard.

This includes Wang Chuqin, Lin Shidong, and others.

I would also like to take this opportunity to study and summarize Chen Jin in detail.

The plane landed smoothly at Phoenix International Airport.

The moment I stepped out of the cabin, a humid sea breeze rushed towards me.

Chen Jin pushed his suitcase and followed the group silently forward.

It's unclear who leaked the information, but as soon as they exited the turnstiles, a large number of fans flocked to the area.

Fortunately, the airport was prepared and had arranged security personnel.

The bus was traveling on the coastal highway.

To the right lies the boundless ocean.

Sunlight sprinkled on the water, creating shimmering golden ripples.

An hour and a half later.

We finally arrived at our destination.

Wanning Xinglong Sino-Austrian Comprehensive Training Hall.

Several white buildings rise from the ground, nestled amidst lush greenery.

One of the buildings prominently displays the words "National Table Tennis Winter Training Base" in large red characters on its wall, making it particularly eye-catching.

Everyone, dragging their luggage, got off the bus one after another.

The staff at the training base waited for a long time and quickly assigned rooms to everyone.

Chen Jin and Lin Shidong were assigned to the same dormitory room.

The room was simple, but fully equipped.

Two single beds and a private bathroom.

A desk, a wardrobe, a dryer, and a small balcony facing the training hall.

"The view is quite nice." Standing on the balcony, feeling the sunshine and sea breeze, Chen Jin felt extremely comfortable.

"Would you be interested in joining our Hainan team?"

Lin Shidong smiled and said, "Let's join hands and conquer the National Games."

"Don't."

Chen Jin turned around and smiled, "I'm already taken."

"is it?"

Lin Shidong immediately understood, "Did you sign with the Shanghai team or the Beijing team?"

"Shanghai team".

Chen Jin admitted to the matter, "However, I will still represent the S Province team in this year's National Games."

"It's over."

Lin Shidong gave a wry smile. "Won't the Shanghai team sweep all the championships from now on?"

Although the Shanghai team only reached the semi-finals in this Chinese Table Tennis Super League, their performance was not ideal.

However, to a large extent, it was also because Fan Zhendong alone could not carry the burden.

For example, Xu Xin and Zhou Kai are both veterans who have long lost the dominance they had at their peak.

But once Chen Jin joins the Shanghai team and forms a dual-core lineup with Fan Zhendong, plus the promising Zhang Jiahao, who the hell can win in the future?

"It's not that exaggerated."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "Haven't we still have you on the Hainan team?"

"Uh……"

Lin Shidong gave another bitter smile.

Talking and laughing.

From the corridor outside, the team leader's voice rang out: "Hurry up and pack your things. We'll meet at the training hall in an hour."

Hear the words.

Chen Jin quickly opened his suitcase and neatly hung his change of clothes in the wardrobe.

Afterwards, I took a short nap in bed.

Together with Lin Shidong, they headed to the training hall.

The coaching staff, including Liu Guoliang, Qin Zhijian, Li Xun, Wang Hao, Ma Lin, Xiao Zhan, and Li Qian, had already arrived.

Wang Hao and Li Qian have been absent for a long time since the Fukuoka finals.

After a long separation, we were overjoyed to see each other again.

In the spacious and bright training hall, a banner hangs that reads "Strive for winter training, implement strict management, strengthen the talent pool, and be courageous in innovation."

Dozens of pool tables were neatly arranged.

The men's and women's teams, along with their training partners, arrived one after another.

In the crowd, Chen Jin spotted a familiar figure again.

"Ding Xiaowei?"

Chen Jin was both surprised and delighted, "You've come to winter training too?"

Back then, during the selection process, the two were always drawn into the same group.

In the end, Ding Xiaowei finished fourth in the selection competition.

He was originally not eligible for the national team.

However, due to his unique long-pimple chopping style, he was exceptionally admitted to the second team and sent to Zhengding for training.

See you again at the National Championships.

Unexpectedly, Ding Xiaowei was also selected to participate in this winter training.

"Chen Jin".

Meeting an old friend in a foreign land, Ding Xiaowei was naturally very happy to finally see a familiar face.

"I didn't expect to see you here."

Chen Jin gently patted Ding Xiaowei's shoulder and laughed, "You're pretty good, kid."

"Nothing is possible."

Ding Xiaowei shrugged slightly. "I'm here as a sparring partner for the women's team."

"A sparring partner for the women's team?"

Chen Jin was taken aback for a moment, then quickly realized, "The coaching staff is interested in your long-pimple chopping style?"

"Correct."

Ding Xiaowei nodded.

In last year's Busan World Table Tennis Championships team event, the White Elephant women's team had a dark horse emerge, named Akula.

Using a long pips rubber style, he defeated Wang Yidi 3-0.

Later, at the Singapore Grand Slam, she fought a five-game battle with Wang Manyu. Although she lost, she was still a formidable opponent.

In the women's singles round of 16 at the Paris Olympics, if Sun Yingsha hadn't lacked experience in handling crucial points, she might have been overwhelmed by her.

Long pips players are inherently troublesome.

Therefore, for this winter training, the coaching staff specially invited Ding Xiaowei to train with the women's team.

"Don't underestimate your sparring partner."

Ding Xiaowei raised his chin slightly, "Those who can get me, Ding Xiaowei, to spar with are all key players on the women's team, such as Sun Yingsha, Wang Manyu, and Chen Xingtong."

"Most people aren't worthy of being my sparring partner."

His expression and tone revealed a hint of pride and self-satisfaction.

Chen Jin laughed and said, "I dare not underestimate him. Back in the day, wasn't Zhang Jike Wang Hao's sparring partner?"

"I like to hear that."

Ding Xiaowei laughed.

soon.

All members of the Chinese national table tennis team have arrived.

They lined up in designated areas according to the coaching staff, men's team, and women's team.

"Everyone, you should all know very well why this closed training camp is for."

Liu Guoliang stood at the front, tilting his head to look around the entire arena, his voice steady and powerful, "For the honor of the national table tennis team, and also for your personal honor."

"The beginning of the new year is also a new beginning for you. Challenges and opportunities await you."

“Take Wang Chuqin for example. Although you are currently ranked number one in the world, you have not won a single championship in the three major tournaments. You are a true ‘uncrowned king’.”

"Then, this year's World Cup and World Table Tennis Championships will be your opportunities and challenges."

"Winning the championship in the three major competitions is not an easy thing. Every contestant wants to win."

"If you don't believe me, go ask Moregard, Zhang Benzhihe, Lin Yunru, or Chen Jin, Liang Jingkun, Lin Shidong."

At this point, Liu Guoliang turned his gaze to the others and said sternly, "You must remember that you can participate in closed training, and your opponents are also training hard."

"To win on the international stage, you have to put in more effort and sweat than them."

"I hope everyone here has one belief: to fight for the honor of the Chinese national table tennis team, and to fight for your own honor!"

"Finally, focus on preparing for the competition and don't let external distractions affect you."

"You all have only one task now: training!"

After a passionate speech.

Head Coach Li Xun announced the arrangements for this winter training session on the spot.

Four training sessions a day, starting at 5:30 am and ending at 10 pm, for a total of 23 days.

Physical training, psychological counseling, technical analysis, and simulated matches will be integrated throughout the winter training.

"Each person's specific training plan will be the responsibility of their respective head coach."

Following that, Li Xun solemnly announced some points to note.

They then disbanded.

As one of the newly promoted key players, Chen Jin has a physical trainer specially assigned to him in addition to his head coach.

The head coach is naturally Li Qian.

The physical trainer, named Zhang Xin, was a muscular, dark-skinned young man.

"Chen Jin, you've fallen into my hands again."

Li Qian smiled and said, "I hope we can have a pleasant collaboration over the next twenty-odd days."

“Look at what you’re saying, Li Jiao.”

Chen Jin blinked. "Didn't our collaboration last time go wrong?"

"of course not."

Li Qian said seriously, "Closed training is different from other training. Don't blame me for being ruthless when the time comes."

Although this was Chen Jin's first time participating in winter training, he had already heard about the harshness of the closed training and was mentally prepared.

"Don't worry about Teacher Li."

Chen Jin smiled calmly, "I'm only afraid you're not ruthless enough."

It's worth noting that during his two and a half years with the S Province team, the training plan he and Coach Wu devised was almost entirely based on the standards of closed training, with four training sessions a day, and sometimes even five.

In terms of training intensity, it is by no means inferior to closed training.

Therefore, Chen Jin is very confident that he will be able to adapt to the intensity of winter training very quickly.

Moreover, the training resources of the national table tennis team are more than ten times better than those of the S province team.

"I hope this winter training will allow me to take my skills to the next level."

Chen Jin's eyes were full of anticipation.

(End of this chapter)