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

Chapter 338 Enjoy the game, leave no regrets

The conference room door slowly opened.

Accompanied by Liu Guoliang, a group of ITTF leaders came out chatting and laughing.

The rest of the Chinese national table tennis team, including Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, followed closely behind.

Chen Jin, Xie Mingyang, and Zhang Jiahao lingered until the very end before finally leaving the meeting room.

"They make us hold a meeting, but they don't give us a chance to speak."

Looking up at the backs of the group, Zhang Jiahao muttered, "If that's the case, why did you call us here? Just to make up the numbers and fill the venue?"

Chen Jin followed behind, a calm smile on his lips: "You have a problem with that? Why didn't you say so earlier?"

"I am but a nobody, how dare I speak in this situation?"

Zhang Jiahao stuck out his tongue.

At this meeting, a group of ITTF leaders gathered to hear suggestions from the Chinese national table tennis team regarding WTT rule reforms.

Given Zhang Jiahao's personality, he has always been one to bully those he knows and fear those he doesn't. And since the other party is a big shot in the ITTF, how could a nobody like him dare to interrupt?

"Besides, the suggestions from others were all quite good."

Zhang Jiahao chuckled, "Especially what that guy said about increasing doubles prize money, that really hit the nail on the head."

"A Grand Slam tournament, doubles champion, only gets eight thousand US dollars in prize money? Is that enough to feed a beggar?"

"Double is almost back in the Olympics, why aren't they taking it seriously? What's going on?"

He knew that with his current skill level, he had no chance of qualifying for the singles competition.

Clinging to Chen Jin's coattails and partnering with him in doubles to gain recognition is his only chance at this stage.

However, compared to singles, doubles is far inferior in terms of both honor and reward.

No wonder Zhang Jiahao was so excited.

"Stop complaining."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "Didn't Ms. Sorin say that she would increase the prize money for Grand Slam doubles champions to $1.5?"

"It has indeed improved, but not by much."

Zhang Jiahao shrugged slightly, "Making a living is a problem."

"It's the same three balls, but look at the badminton team next door, their prize money is much better than yours."

"Not to mention tennis, basketball and football, we can't even compare to a fraction of theirs."

Listening to Zhang Jiahao's complaints.

Chen Jin also expressed his helplessness: "The commercialization of table tennis has a long way to go."

"Commercialization is important, but you can't achieve commercialization by exploiting athletes."

Zhang Jiahao said indignantly, "Think about my brother Dong, he wouldn't even let me rest when I wanted to, and in the end he was forced to withdraw from the competition..."

The reason WTT was willing to reform the rules this time was largely due to the public's questioning and anger.

However, the Warriors, who spearheaded this effort, have yet to return to the court.

"According to what was said in the meeting just now, Grand Slams will be changed to an invitation system, and mandatory participation will be eliminated."

Xie Mingyang said, "Being exempt from two championship events every year sounds pretty good."

According to the WTT's previously released schedule, there are 4 major championships and 6 tournaments of the year.

If the two championship events could be exempted, allowing players to choose for themselves, it would certainly make things much easier.

Chen Jin has a deep understanding of this.

At the end of last year, having just finished the Montpellier Championship, he immediately moved on to the Frankfurt Championship without any rest.

Working non-stop like this is exhausting.

"Brother Jin."

Zhang Jiahao suddenly leaned closer to Chen Jin, his face full of fawning smiles, "When I'm qualified to participate in the championship in the future, if you don't want to participate in any particular championship, be sure to tell me in advance."

"What do you mean?"

Chen Jin was stunned for a moment.

"I only have a chance to win the championship if you're not in the competition."

Zhang Jiahao grinned, revealing two rows of clean, even teeth.

Before Chen Jin could speak, Xie Mingyang said coldly, "Oh? Are you sure?"

"What?"

Zhang Jiahao raised an eyebrow. "Want to have a one-on-one fight again?"

"Hey Xie, I'm not afraid to tell you, I've improved a lot recently, and I'm itching to practice with someone."

"Don't think that just because you've beaten me a few times, you can keep winning."

"If you're so tough, let's have a best-of-ten series and see if I can crush you."

In their last one-on-one match, Xie Mingyang won, but it wasn't an easy victory.

During this period, Zhang Jiahao's strength, footwork, and touch have indeed improved considerably.

Even Chen Jin praised him highly, which made Zhang Jiahao extremely arrogant.

This gave him the confidence to challenge Xie Mingyang one-on-one.

However, after experiencing several major competitions and practicing with Chen Jin, Xie Mingyang has also improved his skills considerably.

If the two were to fight again, it would be impossible to say who would emerge victorious.

"Best of ten?"

Xie Mingyang sneered, put his hands in his pockets, and looked at him with disdain. "If you're really that good, let's see you on the field."

"Hey Xie, you better wash your neck clean and wait."

Zhang Jiahao retorted defiantly, "Don't let me run into you on the field, or I'll crush you."

"hehe."

Xie Mingyang let out two more cold laughs.

Knowing that the two were incompatible according to their birth charts and would inevitably argue whenever they met, Chen Jin had no choice but to sigh inwardly.

"Brother Jin, what do you think?"

Zhang Jiahao ignored Xie Mingyang and turned to look at Chen Jin with pleading eyes.

"no problem."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "But if you win the championship, remember to share half of the prize money with me."

"half?"

Zhang Jiahao said seriously, "No, absolutely not."

"It should be at least 20/80."

"I'm two, you're eight."

As he spoke, he gave Chen Jin an exaggerated bow, saying, "Who told you to be my godfather?"

Xie Mingyang's inner thoughts are shown in the picture.

"Chen Jin".

Xie Mingyang stepped forward and walked alongside Chen Jin, pushing Zhang Jiahao to the back. "Your match is at 2 PM?"

Yesterday afternoon, he defeated Aguirre 3-0, advancing to the round of 32.

As Chen Jin said, although Aguirre is not very famous, his skills are not bad.

Although Xie Mingyang won the battle, it was not an easy victory.

Especially in the third round, Aguirre fought fiercely, putting Xie Mingyang at a disadvantage for a time.

Fortunately, Xie Mingyang maintained a stable mindset.

They played steadily and surely, scoring one point at a time, constantly closing the gap.

Finally, after a 19-17 tie, they managed to win the match thanks to their stamina, speed, and the advantage of having three match points.

"Correct."

Chen Jin nodded.

It's already 11:30.

Xie Mingyang glanced at the time. "Still training?"

"No."

Chen Jin shook his head. "Let's go eat first, rest for a while, and then come over early to warm up."

On the way to the hotel restaurant, Zhang Jiahao was still rambling on about the doubles prize money.

The restaurant was noisy.

The sounds of conversations in various languages ​​mingled together.

When I went to pick up my food, I ran into Wang Chuqin and Huang Youzheng.

They greeted each other and walked away.

Seeing Xie Mingyang with Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao, Wang Chuqin couldn't help but frown.

"Xie Mingyang is now a member of our Beijing team. Yet he's still hanging around with Chen Jin and the others."

Wang Chuqin said unhappily, "When I have time, I need to have a good talk with Director Zhang."

Originally, out of consideration for his teammates on the Beijing team, he condescended to serve as Xie Mingyang's sparring partner.

Unexpectedly, Xie Mingyang didn't appreciate it at all and turned to Chen Jin instead.

Isn't this blatantly admitting that he's inferior to Chen Jin?
Wang Chuqin grew increasingly dissatisfied.

If it were someone with his old temper, he probably would have already lost his temper.

Now, given his status and position, he had no choice but to hold back. Hearing Wang Chuqin's words, Huang Youzheng, who was standing nearby, didn't respond but silently buried his head in his food.

During the World Youth Championships, I spent some time with Chen Jin and two others.

They ate together, trained together, and Chen Jin even took the initiative to exchange ideas with Huang Youzheng, which greatly benefited Huang Youzheng.

There was no backstabbing or rigid hierarchy; Huang Youzheng fondly remembers that harmonious atmosphere.

Unfortunately, he didn't have Xie Mingyang's background and lacked some of his courage.

Otherwise, he would have already gone to hang out with Chen Jin and his gang.

After finishing their meal, everyone went back to their rooms.

Zhang Jiahao's bed was as messy as if a typhoon had passed through.

A few jerseys and a change of clothes were carelessly tossed on the bed, and the cups were crumpled up in a ball, making it look like a doghouse.

He casually pulled his clothes aside and collapsed onto the bed with a thud.

"So full."

Zhang Jiahao rubbed his stomach, looking satisfied. "The chicken rice smells so good."

Chen Jin smiled but did not reply.

I took out my phone, watched some match videos, and then took a short break.

One p.m.

Chen Jin and his two companions arrived at the training hall on time.

Mo Daojun leaves early, and there are even more early travelers.

In a corner of the training hall, Huang Zhenting, accompanied by his teammates, had already begun his warm-up training.

Forehand attack to halfway up the table, backhand flick and pull to quickly tear the corner...

The veteran, in his thirties, looked focused.

"No wonder everyone calls him 'Great Sage'."

Zhang Jiahao whispered, "He really looks like the Monkey King from 'Monkey King: Hero Is Back'."

"Huang Zhenting's forehand attack that goes halfway off the table is indeed a testament to the skills of the older generation of penhold grip players."

Chen Jin couldn't help but admire it.

In fact, back when he was in the provincial team, in order to find a penhold style of play that suited him, he had studied both the traditional penhold style from the early days and the penhold backhand style that arose from Wang Hao.

As one of the leading figures in the penhold backhand style, Huang Zhenting was naturally included in his research.

Wong Chun Ting's peak period was around 2016.

He even upset Xu Xin, who also uses a penhold grip, in an open tournament.

Although he lost to Xu Xin in the semifinals of the World Cup, he defeated his opponent in the third-place match and became the first player in the history of Hong Kong table tennis to win a medal in the men's singles of the three major world competitions.

In 2017, his world ranking jumped to No. 7, making him the highest-ranked male table tennis player in Hong Kong's history.

In recent years, with the reform of the 40+ ball game, the increase in age, the increase in injuries, and many other factors combined, Wong Chun Ting's performance has obviously declined.

However, their extensive experience on the field should not be underestimated.

at the same time.

Huang Zhenting also discovered Chen Jin and others.

Although they weren't very familiar with each other, he had already heard of Chen Jin's reputation.

At the tender age of sixteen, in less than six months, he overcame all obstacles and rose from an unknown nobody to become the world's second-ranked demon king.

Moreover, Chen Jin is considered a strong contender for the title at this year's Singapore Grand Slam.

If he wins the championship, he will be able to surpass Wang Chuqin and become the newly crowned world number one.

Their terrifying strength and incredible record have already shocked the entire world of table tennis.

Wong Chun Ting was even more amazed: "In the era of the big ball, penhold grip is declining, yet there are still young people willing to choose penhold grip."

In today's table tennis world, the shakehand grip is all the rage.

The penhold grip has even become a special playing style.

I used to think that only old-school guys like him would stick to penhold grips.

Unexpectedly, Chen Jin suddenly appeared.

More importantly, under Chen Jin's guidance, the penhold grip seems poised to regain its former glory.

Chen Jin and two other boys found an empty pool table, stretched out slightly, and began training.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

The explosive sound of the ball hitting the ball echoed in the training hall, like firecrackers being set off during the Lunar New Year.

If one hadn't witnessed it with their own eyes, who would believe that such terrifying power could come from a sixteen-year-old boy?

"Looks like we're going to be eliminated in the first round?"

Huang Zhenting smiled bitterly to himself.

Prior to this, he and his coach had also studied Chen Jin's matches.

After comparing the two, even the coach could only sigh and pat Wong Chun Ting on the shoulder: "Enjoy the game and leave no regrets."

Of course, as a professional athlete, Wong Chun Ting did not give up easily.

The allure of competitive sports lies in its unpredictability.

Let's take a gamble, what if we win?
Huang Zhenting has lowered his expectations and is ready to give it his all.

Time passed by minute by minute.

The training hall gradually filled up with people.

Other competitors arrived one after another to prepare for the afternoon's competition.

The sounds of hitting the ball, shouts, and the sharp screeching of shoes on the ground blended together, creating a slightly noisy cacophony.

Chen Jin and Huang Zhenting remained focused, as if everything around them was irrelevant.

1:50.

Huang Zhenting stopped training, packed his things, and headed to the waiting area.

Chen Jin practiced for a few more minutes.

It wasn't until a staff member came to remind them that they slowly and leisurely waited backstage, accompanied by Li Qian.

Ball selection and signing, racket testing...

With all preparations complete, Chen Jin sat in a chair, placed his backpack at his feet, and closed his eyes to rest.

at this time.

Sudden.

A familiar voice rang out: "Huh? Chen Jin?"

Chen Jin suddenly opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the sound.

The speaker was none other than Lin Yunru.

"Xiao Lin brother."

Chen Jin stood up and greeted him warmly.

In the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, the two joined forces to win the championship for the S Province team, demonstrating a strong sense of camaraderie among teammates.

"You have a match later?"

Lin Yunru asked.

"Correct."

Chen Jin nodded, "I'll work from station number one."

"I'm at station number two next door."

Lin Yunru laughed and said, "We're both in the lower bracket this time, I wonder if we'll have a chance to face each other?"

Since his debut, Chen Jin has defeated many top players in the table tennis world.

Apart from Lin Yun-Ju, all the other members of the "External F4" – such as Tomokazu Harimoto, Moregaard, and Felix – have lost to Chen Jin.

Lin Yunru is the only one they haven't fought yet.

If they advance smoothly in this Singapore Grand Slam, the two may meet in the fourth round.

"There's definitely a chance."

Chen Jin laughed and said, "When the time comes, I won't show any favoritism or go easy on you."

"I want to be tortured."

Lin Yunru laughed heartily.

Talking and laughing.

The staff reappeared and reminded them, "Chen Jin, Huang Zhenting, please prepare to go on stage."

Good luck in the game.

Lin Yunru extended his palm.

"You too."

After exchanging a high five with Lin Yunru, Chen Jin picked up his backpack and headed towards the arena.

(End of this chapter)