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

Chapter 409 Group Stage! They promised not to shave their heads, so why are they getting more and more aggressive?
4 month 14 day.

Half past nine in the morning.

Galaxy Macau Arena.

The 2025 ITTF Men's and Women's World Cups have officially begun.

The men's and women's competitions were held simultaneously in the same venue.

The sounds of the ball hitting the shuttlecock, the referee announcing the scores, and the occasional gasps and cheers from the audience mingled together.

Chen Jin's first match was scheduled for 1:10 PM.

He will face Polish player Milos Rydzimski.

Waiting backstage.

Milos sat to the side, seemingly nonchalant, but secretly observing Chen Jin's every move.

Chen Jin sat upright, his back straight, his brows relaxed, and his eyes slightly closed, looking just like Po the panda in the midst of his cultivation.

He exuded the aura of a master, inspiring awe in those who looked upon him.

The two had already faced off once in the team final at last year's World Junior Championships.

Milos had already witnessed Chen Jin's terrifying strength.

Now, several months later, the two have met again on the field, and the other has become the world's number one ranked player.

Meanwhile, I am still at the bottom of the world's rankings, struggling desperately.

"I hope that this time I can beat him by a few more points than last time."

Milos's mind immediately wandered, "What if I pull off an upset and beat him? God, that would be wonderful."

However, when he stepped onto the court and faced Chen Jin, he realized that compared to the World Youth Championships, Chen Jin's skills had improved significantly, and more importantly, he exuded a new kind of aura.

It's like... if you don't play ball, you see me like a frog in a well looking at the moon in the sky; if you do play ball, you see me like a mayfly looking at the blue sky.

"My God, when did Satan escape from hell?"

Milos was completely devastated.

As a rising star of the Polish team, 19-year-old Milos had never competed against Chinese players before meeting Chen Jin.

In the 22 World Youth Championship U19 Men's Team Final, he lost to Chen Yuanyu by a score of 1:3.

In the men's singles round of 32, he lost to Lin Shidong by a score of 1:4.

In the 2023 WTT Doha Regular Challenge, he was once again defeated by Lin Shidong in the Round of 32.

Although he lost every time, he still had a fighting chance against both Chen Yuanyu and Lin Shidong.

They can even fight back and forth.

But when faced with Chen Jin, all that remained was despair.

This feeling is like an ordinary person who can't even lift a chicken being brutally beaten to the ground by a prime Mike Tyson.

Milos didn't even see the ball before the game was over.

First game, 11:0.

Break between games.

Wang Hao got up to hand over some water, and said with a wry smile, "You should at least give me a discount."

After all, it's the World Cup, and the players who can play here must have some skill.

If you shave someone's head right off the bat, wouldn't that make them look stupid?

"I wanted to."

Chen Jin looked completely innocent. "For that last serve, I planned to just randomly flick the ball if he could return it."

"I didn't expect him to make a mistake on the serve. How can you blame me for that?"

His tone was full of grievance.

Wang Hao was also helpless about this: "Why don't you just give me a no-spin ball, or just throw the ball on the table and that's it?"

"Of course not."

Chen Jinyi said sternly, "I'm a serious actor."

He didn't want to end up like some notorious villain, ruining his reputation with a poor performance at a match-fixing game.

"No matter what, you can't shave someone's head. It's the World Cup, after all, with so many people watching. You should give them some face."

Wang Hao said, "Leave a way out for others, so you can meet again in the future."

"The competition is over, but you still need to take photos together. Don't make the atmosphere too awkward."

Chen Jin nodded: "Understood."

Fortunately, their conversation was not overheard by their opponents.

Otherwise, your mental state will collapse even more.

You two were supposed to be giving each other coaching during the break, but instead you were talking about how to throw the game?

That's incredibly disrespectful!

However, given Chen Jin's abilities, he certainly has the right to look down on others.

The second game lasted less than five minutes.

The score is now 10-0.

Fortunately, Milos had the serve this time.

Chen Jin secretly made up his mind: "No matter what ball he serves, I'll just flick it randomly."

Unexpectedly, Milos served a long ball.

They went straight for Chen Jin's forehand.

Almost out of muscle memory, Chen Jin took a cross step, lunged forward with a forehand, and countered with a straight shot.

"It's over!"

The moment he made his move, Chen Jin knew something was wrong.

They wanted to take it back, but it was too late.

歘——

The ping-pong ball, just like the mustache of yesteryear, instantly pierced through the opponent's backhand defense.

Another 11-0 score.

"..."

With a face full of guilt and apology, Chen Jin took a towel and walked to the sidelines.

It was as if he was the one who lost the game.

"what happened?"

Wang Hao sighed, "You promised not to shave your head, so why are you getting more and more aggressive?"

"The conscience of heaven and earth."

Even Chen Jin himself couldn't hold back anymore, "I originally wanted to let him win, but I didn't expect him to steal my right arm length, so I instinctively..."

"..."

Wang Hao was speechless for a moment. Was it really that hard to give up a goal?
They remained silent for a while, exchanging few words.

"How about this?"

Wang Hao thought for a moment and said, "In the third game, you should give up a point first, that way it'll be safer."

"Row."

Wiping the cold sweat from his forehead, Chen Jin nodded, "To express my apology, I'll give you two points."

As it turned out, Chen Jin was indeed true to his word; he said he would concede two points, and he did.

In the third game, the score was 11-2.

Fourth set, 11-2.

The score is 4-0.

Chen Jinbing won the first round of the group stage without lifting a finger.

competition is over.

Shake hands with your opponent.

At this moment, Milos finally felt the terror emanating from the seemingly harmless boy before him once again.

Back on the sidelines, while Chen Jin packed his bag, Wang Hao began to review the lessons learned from the match: "Next time you encounter a situation like this, be more decisive in letting the ball go; it's okay if your acting is a little off..."

"understood."

Chen Jin nodded and agreed.

Accompanied by Wang Hao, Chen Jin, carrying a backpack, waved to the fans in the stands as he walked towards the stadium tunnel.

I just reached the exit of the passage.

The host announced from behind, "Next up is Xie Mingyang, from China..."

Chen Jin paused, turned slightly, and said, "Old Xie, keep it up!"

In this match, Xie Mingyang's opponent was Egyptian player Mohamed Elbeyali.

Coincidentally, Mohamed Elbeyali faced Milos Redzimski in the men's singles round of 64 at last year's Paris Olympics.

Mohamed Elbeyali lost to Milos Redzimski by a score of 0-4.

Of course, this does not mean that Mohammed Elbeyali's strength was so easily defeated.

Xie Mingyang did not relax or become careless in the slightest.

His steps were steady, and his actions decisive.

His forehand smashes are like a lion hunting a rabbit, each shot accompanied by a whistling sound that tears through the air.

His backhand smash is like a tiger descending a mountain, each ball exuding an aura of dominance that could shatter the table.

His control of rhythm is masterful.

Even his opponent's fierce attacks were easily neutralized by his seemingly casual moves.

Then came a thunderous strike.

11:8.
11: 2.

11: 4.

11: 3.

The score is 4-0.

Xie Mingyang also took the lead in securing the first point in the group stage.

However, a single victory was not enough to make him happy.

Only one person can advance from the group stage.

For Xie Mingyang, the next match against Zhang Benzhihe is the key.

……

There were no matches the following day.

However, Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang did not stay at the hotel, but instead spent their time at the training hall.

As a sparring partner for this World Cup, Zhang Jiahao naturally followed him everywhere.

However, without the pressure of the competition, I felt incredibly relaxed and timid.

Sitting on the ground, completely at ease.

"Just now, Zhang Ben defeated Mohammed."

Zhang Jiahao, holding his phone, looked up and said, "It's also 4-0, and the score difference is even greater." "Hey Xie, you're under a lot of pressure."

According to the format of this World Cup, the group stage is a four-game series.

因此，大比分只有4：0、3:1和2：2三种情况。

Generally, winning two matches is enough to advance to the knockout stage.

However, if three players have the same score, then the head-to-head record and tiebreakers will need to be considered.

Now, Mohammed Elbeyali has been eliminated after losing to both Xie Mingyang and Zhang Benzhihe.

The qualifying spot will be decided between Xie Mingyang and Zhang Benzhihe.

Xie Mingyang needs to defeat Zhang Benzhihe 4-0 or 3-1 to advance.

If the score is 2:2, then the topping score needs to be considered.

If the score is the same, then we need to look at the scores between the two players and Mohammed.

Therefore, every game and every point in tomorrow's match is crucial.

"so what?"

Xie Mingyang said dismissively, "It's not like we haven't beaten Zhang Ben before."

Although he won the first two encounters by a narrow margin, he still truly defeated Tomokazu Harimoto.

Psychologically, Xie Mingyang clearly had the upper hand.

"Do not."

Chen Jin shook his head. "Because of the competition format, we must not let our guard down."

"The four-game system is different from the best-of-five or best-of-seven system. The margin for error is very low. Once you lose the first two games, you will be in a passive situation."

"Therefore, Zhang Ben will definitely go all out and fight fiercely in the first two games."

"At that time, it will be a battle of who can get into the game faster and win the first two games."

Although Xie Mingyang won against Zhang Benzhihe in their first two encounters, the victories were not easy.

Furthermore, with the added boost from the tournament, Tomokazu Harimoto will likely become even more ferocious and powerful.

After listening to Chen Jin's words.

Xie Mingyang immediately calmed down: "If that's the case, then I have no choice but to fight him."

"Correct."

Chen Jin nodded, "From the very beginning, we must fight him head-on; we cannot afford to take any chances."

"In addition, I watched Zhang Ben's match in Incheon, and Zhang Ben consciously strengthened his forehand."

"In a game where you understand the rules, you must be careful about this."

"Ideally, we should be able to change the landing point and cut into his middle lane, so that he can't build up his momentum."

No amount of talk can compare to the test of being there in person.

The next day, ten o'clock in the morning.

Xie Mingyang will face off against Zhang Benzhihe.

The stands were noticeably more crowded than in previous games.

The air seemed to freeze, filled with the silent smell of gunpowder.

The coaching staff clearly takes this match very seriously.

Wang Hao personally provided off-site guidance.

"This match is crucial for qualifying, but don't be too nervous. You must believe in yourself."

Before the match even started, Wang Hao kept encouraging Xie Mingyang, saying, "You've beaten Zhang Ben twice. As long as you have confidence, you can definitely beat Zhang Ben again."

"Get excited, be decisive, don't hold back, just go all in."

"Be wary of Zhang Ben's forehand, open up the landing points, or cut into his middle."

"When you give him a backhand, make sure to deliver a strong shot and don't let him change the direction of the ball easily."

"Of course, the most important thing is to have confidence."

"Pay attention to continuity and connection."

"come on!"

soon.

The players from both sides enter the arena.

The pressure and tension on their faces were clearly visible.

Their eyes met, as if swords were clashing.

Toss a coin to guess who will go first.

Tomokazu Harimoto gets the right to serve.

First serve.

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Xie Mingyang quickly stepped forward and twisted the middle.

However, Zhang Ben seemed to have anticipated this and activated the device instantly.

With a swift sidestep and footwork as agile as a ghost, he created space to hit the ball.

At the same time, the player prepares for the shot and builds up momentum.

"Snapped!"

The ping-pong ball, like a white lightning bolt, slammed down on Xie Mingyang's left side of the table with great power and a powerful arc.

Xie Mingyang was unable to get back in time to defend.

1: 0.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

Tomokazu Harimoto clenched his fist.

A signature roar, as if tearing his vocal cords apart, exploded in the air above the stadium.

Despite a poor start, Xie Mingyang remained calm and expressionless.

"Whoo~"

Taking a deep breath, Xie Mingyang bent down, his eyes becoming even sharper.

Tomokazu Harimoto serves again.

Near the center line.

Do not forward.

Xie Mingyang stepped forward and gently swung his short arm.

The short landing point is extremely tricky.

It is Tomokazu Harimoto's forehand small triangle.

Zhang Benzhihe quickly stepped forward, lowered his center of gravity, and, facing the late descent of the incoming ball, gripped his racket and swung it upwards with a powerful flick.

"laugh!"

The ping-pong ball, carrying a strong sidespin, drew a high arc, bypassed the net, and flew back towards the center line of Xie Mingyang's side of the table.

"Chance!"

With a surge of murderous intent in his eyes, Xie Mingyang adjusted his footing, quickly turned to the side, and swung his right hand with full force.

Snapped!
It penetrated the baseboard with tremendous force, making a powerful impact.

However, to Xie Mingyang's surprise, this ball did not have topspin.

Zhang Benzhihe secretly added a spin under the table, executing a powerful sideways downward move.

Xie Mingyang's board shape was too heavy.

歘!
The ball went into the net.

0: 2.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

Tomokazu Harimoto's roar exploded once again, filled with scorching excitement.

They lost two points in two consecutive games.

Facing the World Cup group stage format, immense pressure, like a mountain, crashed down on Xie Mingyang's shoulders.

Sweat seeped from his forehead.

Xie Mingyang glanced at Zhang Ben across the table, whose eyes seemed to burn with a war flame that could devour everything.

"Hold on!"

"The first game was only two points."

"I can win it back."

Xie Mingyang took a deep breath and silently adjusted his mindset.

Switch sides and serve.

Short, no-spin forehand stroke.

Zhang Benzhihe took a short step forward.

Xie Mingyang swings the ball back.

Zhang Benzhihe used his long-range attack to hold off Xie Mingyang in the middle lane.

Xie Mingyang uses a backhand topspin shot, followed by a high loop.

Because his body position was blocked by this long chop shot, the quality of his return shot was not ideal.

This is the opportunity I have been waiting for!

Tomokazu Harimoto decisively turned to the side and unleashed a powerful forehand smash.

"Snapped!"

Like a heavy cannon, it blasted through Xie Mingyang's backhand defense once again.

0: 3.

"Boiled!"

Zhang Benzhihe's roars grew more and more impassioned, greatly boosting morale.

Seeing Xie Mingyang caught off guard by Zhang Benzhihe in the first game, Wang Hao couldn't help but frown.

It's important to understand that a four-game match is inherently very stressful, with almost every point being crucial.

Now that Xie Mingyang is down 0-3 at the start, it will inevitably have some impact on his mentality.

"Xie Mingyang, hold on!"

Wang Hao stood up and shouted, "Don't panic, believe in yourself!"

The greater the pressure, the more it tests the athlete's ability to adjust.

For young athletes, especially those participating in such a competition for the first time, this is an inevitable step.

If we can withstand it, a transformation is inevitable.

(End of this chapter)