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

Chapter 355 Post-Match Review
11: 5.

11: 5.

11: 5.

11: 3.

The score is 4-0.

Seeing Chen Jin sweep Lin Yunru and advance to the semifinals, Wang Hao, who was sitting on the sidelines giving guidance, leaned back, crossed his legs, and looked relaxed.

"With this situation... Doha has nothing to worry about."

His eyes were practically overflowing with approval and pride, and Wang Hao's smile was harder to suppress than AK's.

Throughout the Paris cycle, the five top Chinese players and the four foreign players all fell to Chen Jin's racket within just six months.

Moreover, the vast majority of them were shut out.

This demonstrates Chen Jin's terrifying power of control.

Chen Jin's undefeated streak continues.

However, as Qin Zhijian said, there are no undefeated generals in competitive sports.

It remains to be seen who can end Chen Jin's winning streak.
What if, at a crucial moment, such as the World Cup, the World Table Tennis Championships, or even the Olympics, Chen Jin suddenly has a huge bowel movement...

Of course, all of this is speculation for later.

Given Chen Jinxian's current condition, defeating him will not be an easy task.

in the audience.

"Tsk, tsk."

Qin Zhijian leaned forward slightly, his hands habitually crossed in front of him. "That kid Chen Jin... he's really ruthless in mid-to-long-range shooting."

"Yes."

Liu Guoliang nodded and said, "For a penhold grip player to have such mid-to-long-range attacking ability, this talent is absolutely unique."

As the only penhold grip Grand Slam winner in table tennis history, Liu Guoliang is well aware of how difficult it is to play with a penhold grip in the era of larger balls.

For example, the Japanese penhold grip, which was once popular in the world of table tennis, has long since faded from history.

Only the center forward, relying on his backhand technique, can still hold his own.

However, apart from a few players such as Felix, Qiu Dang, and Xue Fei, penhold grip players are extremely rare.

Both Liu Guoliang and Wang Hao, who both started as penhold players, still have a passion for the penhold style of play.

Unfortunately, given the current environment and the era of larger balls, penhold grip players are already at a disadvantage when competing against shakehand grip players.

In addition, penhold grip requires more talent and results are slower, so no one dares to take the risk.

Therefore, the penhold grip style of play is becoming increasingly rare.

Fortunately, fate spared the straight-grip version.

Chen Jin's sudden emergence has given people hope for the resurgence of the penhold grip.

"The last penhold player to win the World Cup was Xu Xin in 13."

Like Liu Guoliang and Qin Zhijian, Li Sun also started as a penhold grip player. He remarked with some emotion, "The last penhold grip player to win the World Table Tennis Championships was Wang Hao in 09."

"The last penhold grip player to win an Olympic gold medal was Marin in 08."

"A penhold grip player hasn't won a singles title in one of the three major tournaments for at least twelve years."

It was thought that if the ITTF hadn't reformed again and changed the ball to 40mm, the penhold grip might still have a chance.

Unexpectedly, Chen Jin's appearance sparked a lot of speculation.

"It's too early to think about winning the three major tournaments now."

Liu Guoliang laughed and said, "Let's talk about it after we win this Grand Slam title."

"If Chen Jin wins the championship, Da Tou's world number one ranking will be in jeopardy."

Qin Zhijian Road.

"After careful consideration, I think that losing the world number one ranking may not be a bad thing for Wang Chuqin."

Liu Guoliang pondered for a moment and said, "Firstly, it can alleviate the pressure of his title, and secondly, it can better create a persona of him rebounding from rock bottom."

"Bottoming out and rebounding?"

Qin Zhijian frowned slightly.

Clearly, he didn't understand Liu Guoliang's meaning.

"Wang Chuqin's current situation is the same as Xu Xin's back then. Although he is the world's number one, he has no championship in the three major competitions. He is just an uncrowned king, which is why he is criticized the most by the outside world."

Liu Guoliang explained, "Without the title of world number one, he can focus more on the game."

"Besides, losing the world number one ranking means falling into a slump. If he wins the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships, wouldn't he be able to bounce back?"

What could be more inspiring than a rebound after hitting rock bottom?

"By then, Wang Chuqin will be able to turn public opinion around by rebounding from rock bottom."

Upon hearing this.

Qin Zhijian suddenly realized: "Coach Liu, you have such foresight."

"But the problem is..."

Li Xun hesitated and asked, "Can Wang Chuqin win the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships?"

"rest assured."

Liu Guoliang smiled slightly, his eyes gleaming with wisdom, "There's always a way out."

Speaking of which.

I looked up at Chen Jin on the field.

"Even if Chen Jin becomes number one in the world, as long as Wang Chuqin can hold onto second place, there will be no problem."

After all, both the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships have seeded players.

……

at the same time.

training hall.

After practicing for more than half an hour straight, Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong were both exhausted.

Take a break, wipe away sweat and drink water.

Lin Shidong picked up his phone, a serious expression creeping onto his face: "Chen Jin has also made it to the semi-finals."

This means that his next opponent will be Chen Jin again.

Although he had expected it, he still felt a chill run down his spine after learning the result.

The terrifying memories of being dominated by Chen Jin came flooding back to him.

It was as if a cold tide had instantly engulfed him.

Even breathing became somewhat difficult.

Since the Macau Championship, Lin Shidong and Chen Jin have faced off many times.

Each time, it was a crushing defeat with no suspense whatsoever.

Now, I've met Chen Jin again.

Lin Shidong felt completely numb.

The suffocating feeling of being overwhelmed by the opponent's precise calculations and absolute strength no matter how much he struggled clung to him like a ghost, instantly tightening the muscles in his back.

Having taken in Lin Shidong's reaction, Wang Chuqin stepped forward and patted Lin Shidong on the shoulder.

"small stone."

Wang Chuqin lowered his voice, but his tone was as hot and determined as a red-hot iron: "I know Chen Jin is very strong, terrifyingly strong, ridiculously strong."

"But I don't believe that even if you and I join forces, we can't defeat him."

Hear the words.

Lin Shidong was taken aback: "Join forces?"

"In tomorrow's semi-final, you need to give it your all and force Chen Jin to use all his strength and all his tactics. Do you understand?"

Wang Chuqin's voice grew louder and louder, his eyes burning with a hint of madness, "Drag him into the mud, the deeper the better!"

Seeing the almost obsessive determination on Wang Chuqin's face, as if he was determined to win, Lin Shidong immediately understood what he meant.

"And then, in the finals, you defeated Chen Jin?"

Lin Shidong said in a low voice.

"Yes."

Wang Chuqin reached out and patted Lin Shidong's shoulder heavily again, "Good brother, I'm counting on you."

"Okay, okay."

Lin Shidong seemed a little frightened.

Set your mind.

But then Wang Chuqin turned around and walked back to the table tennis table, bent down and picked up a training chair from the ground.

He didn't serve immediately, but held the ball in his palm.

"Number one in the world..."

Wang Chuqin muttered almost silently to himself, then suddenly gripped his racket tightly.

The knuckles of my left hand made a slight "crackling" sound due to excessive force.

The veins on the back of his hand were bulging.

"It has to be mine!"

Wang Chuqin raised his head, his eyes sharp as a hawk's, revealing a hint of determination and ruthlessness.

"I am determined to defeat Chen Jin in this competition and personally break his undefeated record!"

Wang Chuqin gritted his teeth, "I am the true number one in the world!"

The last word fell like a thunderbolt.

His arm muscles suddenly tensed. With a powerful backhand smash, he slammed the ping-pong ball hard against the opposite side of the table.

"boom!"

The ping-pong ball made a whooshing sound as it flew through the air, then exploded in a flash of white light on the opposite side of the table before bouncing high into the distance.

Finally, it crashed heavily into the barrier.

Lin Shidong was startled by the loud noise and couldn't help but swallow hard.

"Come again!"

Wang Chuqin grabbed a handful of balls from the basket, his eyes calming down. "Continue training."

……

On the big screen, the "4:0" score, radiating a scarlet light, was blindingly bright.

Lin Yun-ru put away his racket, turned around and exchanged a glance with his coach behind him, his face full of helpless bitter smiles.

"Chen Jin is still too strong."

Lin Yunru couldn't help but sigh inwardly.

Throughout the four games, Chen Jin's tactical execution was precise and ruthless, like a war machine.

From the very first game, they firmly controlled the pace of the match.

Either shorten it or split it into long pieces.

Landing point, spin, arc... intertwined into a net that, like binding a dragon, completely restricted Lin Yunru's backhand topspin.

Whether serving or receiving, Chen Jin accurately controlled Lin Yun-ju's forehand corner.

Once Lin Yunru steps forward and twists, he will either be torn back in a straight line by Chen Jin or be quickly driven diagonally by Chen Jin. Everyone is eyeing Lin Yunru's opening.

Even though Lin Yunru's footwork was fast, after a few times, he no longer dared to use a backhand flick from the forehand position.

He could only obediently fight Chen Jin inside the arena, which was tantamount to crippling himself.

In addition to controlling the table, Chen Jin's first three attacks were like heavy artillery missiles, capable of killing with a single blow.

The alternating forehand and backhand grips, like a machine gun, nearly suffocated Lin Yunru.

The twisting and pulling lines were fixed, and the small ball inside the table was controlled.

During the stalemate, I couldn't win with my backhand, and the difference was even greater with my forehand.

Moreover, it's obvious to anyone with eyes that Chen Jinnian didn't give it his all, despite their past camaraderie in the Chinese Super League.

Even so, Lin Yunru could no longer hold on.

At this moment.

Chen Jin had already walked over.

His forehead was already soaked with sweat.

His eyes were unusually clear and cool, like two bottomless pools of ice, showing little of the embers of fierce fighting, only a calm.

"Congratulations."

Lin Yunru extended his palm.

He twitched the corners of his mouth, trying to force a gentle smile, as he usually did.

However, his facial muscles were so stiff that he could only manage a bitter smile.

"As expected, I can't beat you."

Lin Yunru exclaimed in admiration, "That's incredible!"

"Concession."

Chen Jin smiled slightly.

After shaking hands, they turned and walked to the sidelines.

At this moment, people in the stands were calling his name from time to time.

Chen Jin smiled and waved.

"Well played."

Wang Hao's eyes and eyebrows were almost flying off, and his wrinkles were like ravines.

After giving Wang Hao a high-five, Chen Jin wiped his racket with sweat, sat down on the sofa in the rest area, and started tidying up his things.

"Do I think I played the point when I was up 7-3 in the second game too conservatively?"

As Chen Jin packed the racket into his backpack, he kept talking to Wang Hao, "You shouldn't hold it down, you should just start twisting it by hand..."

"In hindsight, we should have taken action ourselves."

Wang Hao said, "But given the circumstances at the time, shorting was a good option, but I didn't expect Lin Yunru to be so decisive."

"On the contrary, when we were up 5-1 in the third game, we shouldn't have continued to fight Lin Yun-ju with our backhands. We should have changed the direction of the shot on the third shot..."

Chen Jin nodded and said, "Yes, I hesitated too much. I won't make the same mistake again next time."

The two reviewed the match and left the arena amidst cheers from the audience.

lounge.

Public viewing area.

On the huge LCD screen, another quarter-final match is being played.

Wang Chuqin vs. Francesca.

After showering and changing their clothes, Chen Jin, Xie Mingyang, and Zhang Jiahao sat on the soft sofa, quietly watching the match.

Francesca's aggressive backhand flick went out of bounds.

"ended."

Xie Mingyang said in a low voice.

With a score of 4-1, Wang Chuqin defeated Francesca and successfully advanced to the semifinals.

On the screen, Wang Chuqin raised his left arm, his face beaming with the triumphant air of a victor.

The fans at the scene cheered enthusiastically.

"Wang Chuqin's condition..."

Zhang Jiahao sat cross-legged on the sofa, scratched his toes, put his fingers under his nose and smelled them, then shook them off in disgust, "He's holding back a lot of energy, like he's about to eat someone alive."

Although Wang Chuqin and Chen Jin are not in the same half of the draw and have not yet faced each other at this Singapore Grand Slam, the atmosphere is already tense.

This championship is especially important for both of them.

It concerns who will be "number one in the world".

Wang Chuqin naturally put in all his effort.

"really."

Xie Mingyang nodded and turned to look at Chen Jin, "Wang Chuqin is in good condition."

"Especially the attack speed playstyle for mid-to-close range, it seems to be very effective against it."

The implication couldn't be clearer.

Chen Jin didn't reply, but just stared at the screen quietly.

The screen then switches to the preview of the next semi-final matchup.

[Upper Bracket: Wang Chuqin vs. Liang Jingkun]

[Lower bracket: Chen Jin vs. Lin Shidong.]

"You're in good shape?"

Zhang Jiahao pursed his lips, "Let's wait until we can get past Liang Jingkun tomorrow before we talk about it."

"how?"

Xie Mingyang glanced at him indifferently, "You think Wang Chuqin is not in good form and can't beat Liang Jingkun?"

"It's not like we haven't lost before."

Zhang Jiahao said sarcastically, "It would be even more awkward if the person who often helps with mine clearance mistakenly cleared out Giegie instead of mine."

"Don't forget what attack speed builds fear most?"

"It's rotation."

"And Liang Jingkun's specialty is spinning."

"Brother Jin, what do you think?"

Knowing that Xie Mingyang would not agree with his opinion, he steered the conversation toward Chen Jin.

Chen Jin smiled slightly: "That makes sense."

"Do you see it?"

With Chen Jin's backing, Zhang Jiahao became even more smug. "Even Brother Jin supports my opinion, so what else can you say, Xie?"

With a cold snort, Xie Mingyang ignored Zhang Jiahao and said leisurely, "The semifinals are all played by players from our national table tennis team."

more importantly.

The upper bracket is a battle of veterans.

The lower half of the bracket is where the new generation competes.

The talent pool development is clearly visible.

The announcement of the match schedule immediately sparked heated discussions online.

"Wow, I finally see the development of the men's table tennis team, with three generations of veterans, Chinese, and young players on the same stage. If this had happened six months ago, I wouldn't have dared to even think about it."

"Support Chen Jin to become number one in the world, and congratulations in advance to the new emperor on his ascension to the throne."

"WTT is just a tournament. What's the big deal if you win? It's not one of the three major tournaments. The World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships are where the real competition is."

"Coach Chu Qin, just enjoy table tennis and finish the competition in good health. Being number one in the world is not important to us. The World Cup and World Table Tennis Championships are what matter."

"Da Tou is in great form lately, he's on fire, and he's sure to win the championship!"

(End of this chapter)