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

Chapter 389 Going All Out! See You in the Finals!

The entry for "Wang Chuqin VS Xie Mingyang" is like a boulder thrown into a calm lake.

Shortly after the match ended, it surged to the top of the trending topics list on major social media platforms with unparalleled momentum.

This was not just a simple summit, but an exhilarating experience that even the word "explosion" cannot fully describe.

The number of clicks skyrocketed exponentially, and the number of comments and reposts exceeded one million within minutes.

The entire trending topics page was like it was Chinese New Year.

Comments, memes, and jokes exploded like fireworks on New Year's Eve.

"Holy crap, they came back from 1-3 down to defeat Chu Sheng? Is Xie Mingyang's heart made of titanium alloy? His reaction to the last ball was just unbelievable."

"Chu Sheng pulled off another upset? He truly lives up to his reputation as the Empire's refrigeration machine."

"Dice Brand Cooler: Brings you refreshing coolness in the sweltering summer! This product boasts powerful cooling and outstanding performance—try it and see for yourself! [doge emoji]"

"Don't be silly, everyone sit down. Gege could even lose to a 14-year-old foreign player before, so what if he lost to a 16-year-old national table tennis player this time? He didn't eat your rice, it's just a technical adjustment."

"Is this the strength of Pigeon? Young man, you have no shortage of courage to start over. Anyway, I can change my age."

……

When the black swarms out, not a blade of grass grows.

The square was filled with the rave of the haters and their vehement mockery of Wang Chuqin.

Of course, there was also no shortage of amazement and recognition for Xie Mingyang.

"This newcomer is impressive. He's strong in both forehand and backhand, and he's aggressive and fearless on crucial points. He even managed to come back from 1-3 down... Especially those two powerful topspins in the deciding game, I thought it was that guy coming back."

"When we were down 1-3, I was ready to turn off the live stream. I thought it was a foregone conclusion, but I didn't expect him to turn the tide and win... His resilience is truly admirable."

"The Asian Cup final is actually between Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang, two newcomers to the Chinese national table tennis team? Would you have believed that before?"

"Is this a result of the effective development of the talent pool, with a constant stream of new talent emerging, or is it due to the large fluctuations in the core team and concerns about stability? For a moment, I didn't know whether to be happy or worried."

……

"Are some people selectively blind? If it weren't for that disgusting complaint that clearly targeted Da Tou's serve rhythm, and the referee even gave him a warning, disrupting Da Tou's mentality and serve tactics, Da Tou would have won the match 4-1 long ago! Winning with such dirty underhanded tactics is not honorable!"

"Xie Mingyang won by relying on the referees and manipulating the players' mentality. The coaching staff actually let such a person play in the Asian Cup. Did they receive some kind of benefit?"

"Although Coach Chu Qin lost the match 3-4, if you look closely at the individual game scores, Coach Chu Qin won 68-67, and even beat Xie Mingyang by one point... Coach Chu Qin's loss this time was due to two reasons: firstly, the newcomer used dirty tactics, and secondly, the competition system was unfair, only looking at the overall score and not the individual game score, which buried his true strength."

"Big Head, get some rest. We'll come back next time. Losing one game is nothing. We'll always support you!"

……

In the realm of public opinion, whether it's hail or flowers, ridicule or a desire to save face, it's all the same.

An undeniable fact has been established.

Xie Mingyang, a sixteen-year-old male table tennis player, stepped over Wang Chuqin and proudly advanced to the men's singles final of the Asian Cup.

They successfully joined forces with Chen Jin.

After this battle, his name was no longer unknown.

Instead, he gained fame overnight with the label of "big heart," officially entering the world of table tennis and the public's view.

Leaving the noisy and controversial arena.

Xie Mingyang, carrying a backpack, walked slowly toward the players' tunnel.

Sweat soaked through, clinging tightly to his back.

His face didn't show much ecstasy, but rather a calm after the passion.

In the middle of the line.

Sudden.

Looking up, I saw several familiar figures appearing in front of the passage.

Liu Guoliang, Qin Zhijian, Li Xun, and Wang Hao were standing there, seemingly having just finished their conversation, their eyes all fixed on Xie Mingyang as he approached.

In his eyes, there was scrutiny, satisfaction, and undisguised expectation.

"Xie Mingyang, you played very well in this competition."

Liu Guoliang spoke first, with an approving smile on his face, "Down 1-3, you were able to come back point by point, that's quite impressive."

"Keep this momentum going in the final."

The other three nodded in agreement.

Although the outcome of a single match is not enough to determine success or failure.

However, Xie Mingyang's indomitable fighting spirit, calm mind, and "drive" to challenge top experts in desperate situations are precisely the qualities they cherish most and yearn to see in the new generation.

"Young man, you have a bright future."

Wang Hao said with a smile, "You and Chen Jin will have to carry the banner of the Chinese table tennis team in the future."

With Long Pang retiring, the greatest pressure is undoubtedly on the development of the men's table tennis team's talent pool.

The thought that the men's table tennis team can only rely on the top 32 teams in the Olympics to carry the torch makes Wang Hao feel uneasy.

Fortunately, Chen Jin's appearance made Wang Hao feel much more at ease.

However, relying solely on Chen Jin is far from enough for the future of men's table tennis.

And now, Xie Mingyang's potential has given Wang Hao hope for the future.

"Thank you, Coach Liu. Thank you, Coach Wang."

Xie Mingyang said, "I will continue to work hard."

Good luck in the finals.

Liu Guoliang nodded, "Fight freely, don't hold back."

"Yes."

Xie Mingyang nodded.

We chatted for a few more minutes, mostly offering encouragement.

After bidding farewell to everyone, Xie Mingyang continued his journey alone.

They soon arrived at the lounge.

As I pushed open the door, a strong smell of sweat hit me.

The lounge was unusually quiet, with only the faint hum of the air conditioner vents.

The moment the door opened.

Two figures stood up.

It was Chen Jin and Lin Shidong.

"Awesome!"

Lin Shidong stretched out a fist, wanting to punch Xie Mingyang in the chest.

Unexpectedly, he struck empty air.

Xie Mingyang sidestepped and dodged.

"They actually beat Wang Chuqin."

Lin Shidong lowered his voice, afraid that someone might overhear him, "That was a great performance."

"luck."

Xie Mingyang's tone was neither warm nor cold.

talking.

He put down his backpack, his gaze passing over Lin Shidong and landing directly on Chen Jin's face.

Chen Jin stood there the whole time, with his usual sunny and warm smile on his face and clear, bright eyes.

"Finally, I have another chance to compete against you in the real finals."

Xie Mingyang twitched the corners of his mouth, his voice low and deep.

His eyes were bright, like stars in a cold night.

There was no arrogance of a victor, only a pure and solemn desire for a worthy opponent and a worthy worthy adversary, an instinctive yearning for a showdown at the pinnacle.

I have known Chen Jin for half a year.

For six months, we spent almost every day together.

However, aside from training, the two only had two actual matches.

U16 selection tournament, World Youth Championship.

Without exception, Xie Mingyang lost every single time.

Moreover, it has been several months since the two last faced off in the men's singles final of the World Junior Championships.

Over the past few months, after rigorous winter training and the tempering of international competitions, Xie Mingyang clearly felt that he was transforming every day, with his strength, speed, technical details, and tactical understanding all improving rapidly.

Moreover, he had just defeated Wang Chuqin and was riding high on his momentum.

He desperately wanted to know how far he was from the genius who had always been one step ahead of him.
Or rather, is it already... close enough?
"Yes."

Chen Jin's smile remained unchanged as he met Xie Mingyang's gaze, which flashed like a drawn sword, its cold light sharp. "I won't hold back in tonight's final." "Me neither."

Xie Mingyang's answer was crisp, decisive, and resounding: "I will go all out to defeat you."

With a clear goal and unwavering determination.

"it is good."

Chen Jin's gaze darkened slightly. "Go all out!"

See you in the finals.

"See you in the finals!"

Two young hands, yet possessing astonishing power, traced two resolute paths in the air, and then—

Snapped!
The crisp, resounding claps echoed in the quiet lounge, like a solemn covenant.

Lin Shidong stood to the side, looking at Xie Mingyang on the left with his icy gaze and fiery fighting spirit, and then at Chen Jin on the right with his smile subdued and his sharp edge fully revealed.

Between the two, an invisible aura clashed fiercely, clashing and rubbing against each other, yet strangely intertwining and creating a suffocating tension.

It was a tacit understanding that needed no words, a fierce confrontation, and a mutual appreciation based on mutual respect.

This overwhelming aura, like a tangible wave, instantly swept through the entire lounge.

Lin Shidong felt as if his heart had been struck hard by that loud slap.

An indescribable surge of heat rushed from the soles of my feet to the top of my head, and my blood surged uncontrollably throughout my body.

The dragon has raised its head, and the tiger is roaring in the forest.

Youthful spirit, unstoppable, soaring straight to the heavens!

……

At 6:00 p.m. sharp, the lights in the gymnasium once again focused on the central table tennis table.

The men's singles bronze medal match.

Wang Chuqin VS Liang Jingkun.

Although this was not a championship match, it was equally intense and closely contested.

Wang Chuqin, still harboring resentment from his recent defeat, attacked with even greater ferocity and decisiveness.

Liang Jingkun, a veteran nearing 30, knew this was likely one of his last chances to win an individual medal in a continental competition at the end of his career.

Every swing of the racket carries a heavy weight.

After a grueling six-game battle, the final score was 4-2.

The last ball slammed heavily onto Liang Jingkun's half of the table and bounced away.

Wang Chuqin clenched his fists tightly, his body arching slightly from the force, and a long-suppressed growl burst forth from deep within his chest.

"Choo-hoo!"

This bronze medal, though far less dazzling than the gold medal he had longed for before the competition.

But at least it wasn't a complete failure.

Like a piece of driftwood, it temporarily held back his sinking emotions.

Liang Jingkun silently lowered his head, sweat soaking the stray hairs on his forehead.

He let out a long sigh, heavy as if he had carried the weight of a normal game.

Since joining the Chinese national table tennis team, he has competed for more than ten years and possesses world-class strength. He has made great contributions to team competitions.

However, in singles competitions, his performance has always been somewhat lackluster compared to other main players.

Even Lin Gaoyuan once won the Asian Cup men's singles championship trophy.

As for Liang Jingkun, apart from withdrawing from the WTT and team competitions, he has never been able to break through that barrier in the most prestigious singles competition.

Four World Table Tennis Championships singles appearances, three bronze medals—it's like a fateful footnote.

It's not that he didn't work hard enough, nor that he lacked ability.

However, in his career, he was dominated by two insurmountable peaks ahead of him, and by middle-generation players such as Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong who overtook him from behind.

Today, newcomers like Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang are rapidly disrupting the existing order.

With his age approaching thirty, Liang Jingkun's time is running out.

With Long Pang withdrawing from this Asian Cup, this presents him with a golden opportunity to break through his own limitations.

Unfortunately, they ultimately failed to take it any further.

"Whoo~"

Liang Jingkun stepped forward, extended his hand, and gently shook hands with Wang Chuqin.

The audience erupted in applause.

This brings an end to this clash of titans.

At the same time, it also sets the stage for the upcoming ultimate battle.

The stadium lights dimmed and then came back on.

Like a brief breath.

The staff cleaned the site with astonishing efficiency.

The air seemed to be taut by an invisible force, and tiny dust particles swirled wildly within the beam of light.

The massive electronic scoreboard has been quietly reset.

The cold "0:0" sign, along with photos of Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang, lit up on the screen.

The stands were packed.

The crowd whispered amongst themselves, craning their necks and staring intently at the entrance to the players' tunnel.

"I never expected that the finals would be contested by two sixteen-year-old newcomers."

"Xie Mingyang is pretty strong and has a good mentality. I just don't know if he can break Chen Jin's invincible record."

"It will probably be very difficult. Xie Mingyang will have to use all his skills to beat Wang Chuqin. You see, Chen Jin beat Wang Chuqin before, it was almost a complete crushing defeat."

"That's right. In this Asian Cup, Xie Mingyang is at most a dark horse, but when he encounters a formidable opponent like Chen Jin, winning the game will probably not be an easy task."

"What I want to know now is, who will Chen Jin shed his blood for?"

"Damn it, I'm curious too!"

"Hopefully Chen Jin won't make a huge mistake. Even if we lose, we can't lose to the foreign team."

While everyone was discussing.

At this moment.

The lights suddenly changed.

The host's passionate and resonant voice echoed throughout the venue through the sound system.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Next up is the 2025 Asian Cup Men's Singles Final!"

"Let's give a warm round of applause to welcome our two finalists!"

In an instant, all eyes, all expectations, and all discussions were drawn to the exit of the players' tunnel as if by a magnet.

Amidst the intense attention, Xie Mingyang was the first to step forward.

The sixteen-year-old boy stood tall and straight like a pine tree, with broad, straight shoulders and a steady, powerful gait.

His gaze was as cold as a frozen pool, without the slightest ripple, as he calmly swept over the noisy stands.

It was as if, to him, everything around him was just a backdrop, irrelevant to him.

His world seemed to consist only of that pool table and the opponent he was about to face.

I walked to the rest area on the sidelines, put down my backpack, and took out a towel, a water bottle, and a banana from it.

His expression was focused and serious, and his movements were meticulous.

Occasionally, I would glance up and look across at the other side.

Just as his gaze swept across the area, another figure appeared at the entrance of the passage.

Chen Jin.

A warm smile appeared on Chen Jin's lips as he walked briskly, waving to the audience as he went.

Soon, Chen Jin arrived at his rest area.

He hopped a few times on the spot, loosening his ankles and wrists, his body swaying slightly with each jump, like a cheetah full of explosive power, elegant yet dangerous.

On either side of the table, one blue and one red.

A cold and aloof person, like still waters running deep.

A warm, fiery warmth, poised to unleash its power.

The lights converge, and the score resets to zero.

A youth storm destined to be recorded in the annals of table tennis history, a fierce battle for the future throne, is about to explode on this small table tennis table!

(End of this chapter)