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

Chapter 335 New Year's Eve, the Singapore Grand Slam begins!
Wang Hao's voice still echoed in the training hall.

"Ness!"

Zhang Jiahao was covered in sweat, his face was full of excitement, his fists were clenched, and he roared inwardly.

In comparison, Chen Jin was more composed.

But the smile on his lips was impossible to suppress.

The two then high-fived in celebration.

Across the table, Wang Chuqin looked pale.

He was initially very confident in this doubles match, thinking he would easily win.

Unexpectedly, everything went beyond his expectations.

In the first two games, he was able to go toe-to-toe with Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao, and even took the lead.

But in the third round, despite his desperate struggle, the battle became increasingly brutal.

"It seems that Lin Shidong dragged me down the first time I teamed up with him."

Wang Chuqin tried to salvage the situation, saying, "Besides, it's a best-of-five series, with very little room for error."

"If it's a best-of-seven series, I can definitely come back from a 0-3 deficit to win 4-3."

Unfortunately, there are no "what ifs" in sports.

More importantly, doubles finals are usually best-of-five games.

In contrast, Lin Shidong appeared relaxed.

Doubles was never his strong suit.

Since Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao are the stronger doubles pair, the responsibility for men's doubles will naturally fall on them in the future.

You can focus your attention on singles matches.

Thinking about it carefully, it's not really a loss.

Anyway, I don't need to use doubles to save face.

That's when.

Liu Guoliang walked into the arena with an approving smile on his face.

"Both sides played well in this match."

Liu Guoliang waved his hand, signaling the four to stand on either side of him. He looked around and said loudly, "Of course, Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao, especially Zhang Jiahao's performance, surprised and pleased me."

"It's clear to everyone that, in terms of overall strength, Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao are obviously inferior to Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong."

"But why were they able to win the game?"

"First, we need to cooperate well, trust each other, play to our strengths and avoid our weaknesses, and help our teammates."

"Second, be bold and daring. When facing opponents stronger than yourself, be willing to draw your sword and fight."

"In my opinion, these two points are the key to the success of the men's doubles pair Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao in defeating stronger opponents."

He listened silently to Liu Guoliang's words.

Zhang Jiahao looked down at his toes and muttered to himself, "Overcoming the strong with the weak?"

"I also don't think Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong are better than me and Brother Jin."

If it were a one-on-one fight, he would admit that he was no match for Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong.

He can team up with Chen Jin in doubles, and he is not afraid of even the formidable Dragon Python or Mastiff Python.

Not to mention Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong.

"of course."

Liu Guoliang then changed the subject, saying, "Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong are also playing men's doubles for the first time, so it's normal that they lack chemistry."

"The two of you should team up more often and practice together more. When you face off again, the outcome will be uncertain."

The following few sentences were clearly addressed to Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, intended to comfort them.

"However, the men's doubles qualification for the Singapore Grand Slam this time was awarded to Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao."

Liu Guoliang said seriously, "Chen Jin, Zhang Jiahao, you two kids better not let me and the coaching staff down."

"Don't worry, Coach Liu."

Zhang Jiahao snapped to attention and shouted, "If I don't win the championship, I'll swim back from Singapore!"

This statement came out.

The audience burst into laughter.

Coaches Li Xun and Wang Hao, among others, also smiled at this.

"it is good."

Liu Guoliang laughed and said, "Young players should have this kind of spirit."

Followed by.

He then offered a few words of encouragement to everyone.

Then, head coach Li Xun came out and said, "Tomorrow the closed training ends. It's been over twenty days. Everyone has worked hard."

"We will depart from Beijing Capital International Airport on the 27th, heading to Singapore."

"Before that, everyone has three days to rest and adjust."

"The Chinese New Year is coming soon. We will be celebrating the New Year in Singapore this year, so everyone can take this opportunity to go home and get together with family and friends."

"But you have to be careful about your diet, so that you don't test positive and can't play in the game."

According to the schedule of the WTT Singapore Grand Slam, the tournament will begin on January 30th.

There will be two rounds of qualifying matches in the first three days.

The main competition will begin on February 2nd.

As is customary, we must arrive early to familiarize ourselves with the venue.

Therefore, I will be away from home for Chinese New Year's Eve this year and will not be able to reunite with my family.

For veterans like Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun, it was already a common occurrence, and they didn't take it seriously.

Newcomers like Chen Jin, Zhang Jiahao, and Xie Mingyang were also mentally prepared.

Since you've chosen this career path, some trade-offs are inevitable.

After the team disbanded.

Wang Chuqin walked alone to the lounge, his steps heavy as if filled with lead.

In my mind, the various mistakes I made during the match kept replaying: the backhand topspin going out of bounds, the forehand fast drive into the net...

Every mistake in the world felt like a knife, stabbing deeply into his heart.

"If only we could have handled it this way back then..."

Wang Chuqin was filled with remorse.

boom!
Unable to contain himself, he slammed his fist hard on the storage, making a loud noise.

"Big Head".

Suddenly, a familiar voice was heard.

Wang Chuqin turned around and looked.

But a ray of light shone from a dimly lit corner of the corridor.

"Coach Xiao..."

Wang Chuqin recognized it at a glance.

The person speaking was none other than his former head coach, Xiao Zhan.

Xiao Zhan held two bottles of mineral water in his hand and handed one of them to Wang Chuqin: "It's just a loss in an intra-team match, there's no need to be so angry."

"I'm not angry."

Wang Chuqin rubbed his slightly red and swollen fist.

Xiao Zhan smiled at this, but did not call out Wang Chuqin's stubbornness on the spot.

"You need to understand Coach Liu's good intentions."

Although no one was around, Xiao Zhan still lowered his voice, "For you, this doubles loss may not be a bad thing."

"Losing your men's doubles qualification will allow you to focus more on singles."

Upon hearing this.

Wang Chuqin thought about it carefully and realized that it made sense.

Xiao Zhan continued, "This Singapore Grand Slam is of great importance to you."

"Only by winning the singles title can you maintain your world number one ranking."

click!
Wang Chuqin unconsciously gripped the water bottle tighter.

As Xiao Zhan said, Chen Jin's strength and world ranking posed a great threat to him.

If Chen Jin wins the men's singles title at the Singapore Grand Slam, it will undoubtedly help him reach the top of the world rankings.

As for myself, I will fall to second place.

Most importantly, he has contracts with various endorsement companies.

If his world ranking drops, his endorsement fees will decrease significantly.

At this stage, his commercial value is entirely based on his status as number one in the world.

"I understand."

Wang Chuqin took a deep breath. "Thank you, Coach Xiao."

In this closed training camp, in addition to identifying and addressing weaknesses, one of the key focuses of his training plan was to target Chen Jin's playing style.

He was confident that after the closed training, he would be able to fight Chen Jin again.

……

The next afternoon.

The closed training has officially ended.

The players and coaches, in twos and threes, went back to their rooms, packed their luggage, and prepared to leave.

"Brother Jin."

After stuffing a change of clothes, rackets, rubber sheets, and other items into his suitcase, Zhang Jiahao asked, "What are your plans for the next few days?"

"Are you going home?"

Chen Jin folded his jersey, shook his head and said, "Three days is a bit short. Traveling back and forth is too tiring. I should get some rest."

It has to be said that the intensity of the closed training was much higher than that of regular training on weekdays.

Even he felt somewhat tired.

"We're on the same wavelength."

Zhang Jiahao laughed and said, "That's what I think too."

"How about we spend a couple of days in Hainan?" "I learned to dog paddle last summer, but I haven't had a chance to use it yet. This is a good opportunity to give it a try."

Speaking of which.

He turned to Xie Mingyang and said, "Hey Xie, what about you?"

At this moment, Xie Mingyang was silently packing up, not even looking up, and said calmly, "I need to go back to Shanghai."

"Back to Shanghai?"

Zhang Jiahao frowned. "What? Going home for the New Year early?"

Before Xie Mingyang could speak...

Chen Jin had already guessed: "About the transfer?"

Prior to this, Xie Mingyang had already stated that once Chen Jin joined the Shanghai team, he would join the Beijing team.

Chen Jin has now signed with the Shanghai team.

Xie Mingyang naturally wouldn't stay with the Shanghai team.

"Correct."

Xie Mingyang nodded.

"Transfer?"

Zhang Jiahao frowned even more deeply. "Hey Xie, are you really going to leave the Shanghai team and join the Beijing team?"

"Any questions?"

Xie Mingyang said.

"Wouldn't it be better if the three of us stayed together on the Shanghai team?"

Zhang Jiahao curled his lip, "Jin Ge and I are both on the Shanghai team, but you went to the Beijing team. You're clearly trying to go against Jin Ge and me."

"Go against you?"

Xie Mingyang sneered and said disdainfully, "You're not worthy!"

"What the hell -"

Zhang Jiahao was furious, but he held back in the end. "I understand. The reason you want to go to the Beijing team is because you're afraid that if you stay in the Shanghai team, you won't be able to compete with my brother Jin."

"With Coach Liu protecting you, the Beijing team can provide you with more and better resources."

"But what if one day, Coach Liu... cough cough, he can't take it anymore?"

"Who knows, if Director Wang gets promoted one day, you'll have nowhere to cry."

Recently, the withdrawal of Ma Long, Fan Zhendong, and Chen Meng from the world rankings has caused a great uproar, and the repercussions are still ongoing.

Liu Guoliang is currently at the center of public opinion, and the slightest misstep could lead to his downfall.

Therefore, Zhang Jiahao's words are by no means alarmist.

But Xie Mingyang didn't care at all.

After all, in the eyes of the Beijing team, Xie Mingyang is the real asset.

"Jiahao".

Chen Jin interrupted Zhang Jiahao's incessant chatter and said to Xie Mingyang, "No matter where we are, we are both opponents and teammates."

"Also a friend."

Xie Mingyang added a sentence.

Seeing Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang smiling at each other like lovers, while he felt like an outsider, Zhang Jiahao pouted, looking displeased.

About to speak.

Sudden.

Knock knock knock, someone is knocking on the door.

"Who?"

Zhang Jiahao asked irritably.

"I."

A voice came from outside the door, "Lin Shidong."

Upon opening the door, one could see that Lin Shidong had already packed his luggage, carrying a backpack and dragging his bags.

"You haven't packed your things yet?"

Lin Shidong said, "My dad's car is already waiting for us outside."

"what?"

Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao were both taken aback.

"Didn't we agree before that you'd come to my house for pork rib noodle soup after the closed training was over?"

Lin Shidong laughed and said, "You've forgotten so quickly?"

"Uh……"

Chen Jin hesitated.

But when Zhang Jiahao heard "pork rib noodle soup", he swallowed hard: "We were planning to spend two days in Hainan, so we'll go and try Aunt Lin's cooking."

"no problem."

Lin Shidong is generous and magnanimous.

Where have you been staying these past few days?

Xie Mingyang asked.

"Hainan is my territory, I'll make the arrangements."

Lin Shidong patted his chest.

However, Xie Mingyang ignored him and said to Chen Jin, "My family has a villa in Yalong Bay that has been uninhabited for a long time. You can make do for two nights."

"I'll have the housekeeper clean and tidy up later. You can go over there later."

"Also, if you'd like to go out to sea, I have SVIP memberships at the yacht club..."

Lin Shidong opened his mouth, but then hesitated and stopped.

Dude, I'm a local!
……

On the afternoon of the 26th.

Chen Jin, Zhang Jiahao, and Lin Shidong returned to the Training Headquarters and rejoined the main force.

The next morning, the entire team took a bus to Beijing Capital International Airport.

We took off on time at 9:30.

We stopped over in Hong Kong Island for a little over two hours.

Finally, at 7:30 p.m., we arrived safely at Singapore Changi Airport.

Step out of the covered bridge.

Everyone was amazed by the sights inside the airport.

The four-story indoor waterfall, lush forest plants, and various high-tech equipment completely overturned the perception of airports.

"Is this...is this still an airport?"

Zhang Jiahao stared in disbelief, stammering, "This is practically a theme park!"

The event organizers arranged buses to take everyone to the Andaz Hotel.

Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao were assigned to the same room.

The room is spacious and bright, with a floor-to-ceiling window offering a panoramic view of Singapore's dazzling nightscape.

Tomorrow is Lunar New Year's Eve.

Zhang Jiahao collapsed onto the bed and sighed comfortably, "This is the first time I've spent the Lunar New Year in a foreign country."

"According to tradition, our family will definitely host guests on the third day of the Lunar New Year."

"All my relatives, from aunts and uncles to grandmothers, will be coming to our house for the New Year's Eve reunion. I'm definitely going to make a video call to them and show them how awesome I am, hehehe."

Speaking of which.

Zhang Jiahao could almost hear his relatives' praise; his mouth was practically watering.

"Yes."

Chen Jin stood by the window, gazing at the night sky.

The following day, the entire team conducted a training session at the stadium to familiarize themselves with the venue.

In the evening, the Chinese national table tennis team prepared a private room at the hotel, decorated with a festive atmosphere.

Bright red lanterns, golden "Fu" characters, and all sorts of Spring Festival decorations, along with the looping message, "I wish you prosperity, I wish you a wonderful life..."

The group sat together, temporarily forgetting the pressure of the competition, chatting and laughing like family, taking photos of each other.

"Thank you to all the coaches and players for their sacrifices and contributions. On New Year's Eve, in a foreign land, they gave up the opportunity to reunite with their families for the honor of the country."

Liu Guoliang raised his glass in a speech, saying, "This spirit is the foundation of the Chinese table tennis team's enduring success."

after eating.

They each returned to their rooms.

Chen Jin took out his phone and made a video call with his father.

At this moment, Chen Jianguo was at his hometown, enjoying a drink with his father-in-law while watching the Spring Festival Gala.

"Little Jinzi, is it lively where you are for the New Year?"

"My father-in-law asked."

"lively."

Chen Jin turned his phone camera out the window, where he could see the light show over Marina Bay in the distance. "Everywhere you look, there's a festive atmosphere," he said.

"That's fine, that's fine..."

My father-in-law was clearly somewhat drunk.

Father, son, grandfather, and grandson, separated by thousands of miles, stayed up together to celebrate the New Year.

The clock struck midnight, and the sound came from afar.

Outside the window, a dazzling display of fireworks suddenly burst forth, instantly illuminating the night sky.

At this moment.

Zhang Jiahao walked over, held up his Sprite, and said with a smile, "Brother Jin, Happy New Year."

"Happy New Year."

Chen Jin smiled.

The two stood side by side by the window.

The dazzling light shone on the two young faces.

(End of this chapter)