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

Chapter 419 On the Eve of the Finals, Kings Meet

4 month 20 day.

ITTF World Cup Finals Day.

nine in the morning.

Andaz Hotel, meeting room.

The heavy blackout curtains were drawn tightly, blocking out the bright light.

Several spotlights overhead cast cold white beams of light, enveloping the Chinese national table tennis team members seated around the conference table.

Tiny dust particles floated in the air, silently rising and falling within the beam of light.

A huge projection screen hangs on the wall of the conference room, playing a slow-motion replay of the semi-final match between Hugo and Wang Chuqin.

Liu Guoliang sat in the main seat, his hands clasped on the table, staring intently at the screen with a serious expression.

On the left, Qin Zhijian has a furrowed brow, while on the right, Li Xun has a solemn expression.

Wang Hao sat next to Li Xun, shoulder to shoulder with Chen Jin.

On the opposite side were Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong.

In front of each person was a technical analysis report, still warm from being printed.

Several places in the report were highlighted with a striking red highlighter.

— Backhand flick score 91.2%, threat level S.

—The stability of the control system within the platform has been significantly improved.

—The efficiency of the mid-to-near stage oscillation speed connection improved by 22.3% compared to the previous cycle.

"Everyone has read the report. Does anyone have anything to say?"

Liu Guoliang suddenly spoke, breaking the silence.

His gaze was sharp as lightning, sweeping around the room.

"Hugo's backhand topspin is still too threatening, especially when he takes the initiative."

Wang Hao said in a deep voice, "Although we can't win in one shot, we can force our way into a stalemate and use his mid-to-close range swing speed to play at his most comfortable rhythm."

"Our strengths lie in receiving serves and the first three shots. Once we enter a rally, we fall behind."

"Especially after leaving the stage, I am at a disadvantage most of the time when facing European and American players."

As the head coach of the men's table tennis team, Wang Hao did not dare to slack off. He stayed up almost all night last night to analyze the match.

"Therefore, in the final, it is best to avoid Hugo's backhand and control his short forehand during the serve and return phases to limit his attack."

Wang Hao's words were clearly directed at Chen Jin: "With your abilities within the station, there shouldn't be any problem."

Compared to shakehand grip, penhold grip has a natural advantage in terms of wrist flexibility and control within the table.

Moreover, Chen Jin's table tennis skills are no less than those of the older generation of traditional penhold players.

Controlling Hugo within Taiwan is a piece of cake.

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded.

"Therefore, I think we can continue with the tactics from the semi-finals, and lock down Hugo's short forehand during the serve and receive phase."

Wang Hao continued, "This forced Hugo to primarily use short pushes or long slices on his first shot, preventing him from getting a comfortable start."

"Even if he takes the risk of twisting the short arm, the quality won't be very high. He can simply pull or tear quickly to create an active stalemate."

Just as Wang Hao said, Wang Chuqin and Hugo adopted this strategy in their semi-final match.

As it turned out, the effect was good.

If it weren't for Hugo's lucky shots in the deciding game that disrupted the rhythm of the match.

In addition, Wang Chuqin's mentality fluctuated because of the reversal.

Hugo might not make it to the finals.

more importantly.

According to the technical analysis report, Hugo's short forehand position is indeed his weakness.

Wang Hao's tactical arrangements were flawless.

Everyone present, including Liu Guoliang, nodded in agreement.

however.

That's when.

A deep and resolute voice suddenly rang in everyone's ears.

"I think we shouldn't focus solely on Hugo's short forehand."

Chen Jin raised his head, his young face displaying a calmness beyond his years.

"Oh?"

Wang Hao and Liu Guoliang both looked at Chen Jin, their eyes revealing a hint of curiosity.

"In the semi-finals, the forehand short tactic was indeed very effective, especially in the first few games, and Hugo did not have a good way to break it."

Chen Jin, neither humble nor arrogant, slowly said, "But during the decisive game, he was clearly making adjustments."

"He also knows that his short forehand is his weakness."

"Therefore, Hugo will definitely be prepared for the finals, and may even conduct special training to target his short forehand."

"If we take the initiative on this point again, we are very likely to fall into Hugo's trap."

This statement came out.

After careful consideration, everyone agreed that there was some truth to it.

It should be noted that Hugo, with his talent and strength, was no ordinary person.

Their adaptability should not be underestimated.

"Chen Jin is right."

Liu Guoliang agreed, saying, "Our opponents are living beings, and they are not fools. When we formulate tactics, we must try to see things from their perspective."

"In the semi-finals, we targeted Hugo's short forehand and it worked. In the finals, Hugo will definitely be prepared."

"Focusing on his short reach won't make much difference."

"Of course, it's not that we can't target his short forehand, but the tactics can't be too one-dimensional. We can be flexible and varied, using both forehand and backhand, combining long and short forehand, making it unpredictable for the opponent."

"Moreover, since we are a penhold grip player, we should play to the characteristics of a penhold grip player, whether it's control within the table or the first three strokes, we should take care of it all."

After listening to Liu Guoliang's words.

Wang Hao nodded and said, "Understood."

With Chen Jin's strength, whether it's controlling the table, launching a quick attack in the first three shots, or engaging in rallies with both forehand and backhand, there are endless possibilities.

Therefore, there is indeed room for flexibility in tactical arrangements.

Unlike Wang Chuqin, whose technique is inferior in all aspects except for the first three strokes and mid-to-close range swing speed.

Tactical arrangements are limited by this.

Sometimes, as an off-field coach, he also feels quite helpless.

"But there's a problem."

Qin Zhijian suddenly spoke up, "Hugo's backhand topspin is so threatening, what if he gets the first strike in other positions?"

"It's ok."

Chen Jin said confidently, "At worst, we'll just have a stalemate. I'm not afraid of him at all."

"it is good!"

Liu Guoliang slammed his fist on the table. "That's the kind of fearless courage and confidence I need."

"Chen Jin, you must remember that as an athlete, courage and confidence will always be your greatest weapons for creating miracles!"

Meeting Liu Guoliang's gaze without flinching, Chen Jin clearly and forcefully uttered two words: "Understood."

"Wang Hao."

Liu Guoliang said in a deep voice, "You and the coaching staff, together with Chen Jin, will refine the specific combinations of each serving round, the contingency plan for receiving serves, and the changes in trajectory during rallies."

"I want to see a detailed analysis of every single possibility before noon."

"The meeting is dismissed!"

The stagnant air began to flow instantly.

The sound of chairs being dragged, the rustling of papers being turned, the low but hurried discussions... all sorts of orderly sounds immediately filled the conference room.

A meticulously planned tactical maneuver targeting Hugo is being woven tensely under the cold white lights.

On the screen, Hugo continues tirelessly performing the reverse twisting motion.

Meanwhile, in front of the screen, Chen Jin and his coaching team had already sharpened their blades to strike at Hugo's vitals.

……

The high-hanging lights from the ceiling of the training hall illuminated the venue as bright as day.

The digital clock on the wall shows "19:30".

The huge venue was somewhat empty except for a few people.

The women's singles final was being broadcast live on a television screen hanging in the distance.

The intense competition, the cheers of the audience, and the faint sound of the commentators reminded everyone that the atmosphere of the final night was heating up.

Chen Jin has already finished his training and is now doing his final physical conditioning exercises.

Sudden.

The sound of steady footsteps approached from afar.

Liu Guoliang crossed his arms and slowly walked over to Wang Hao's side: "How is it?"

"In good condition."

Wang Hao's expression revealed his trust in Chen Jin.

"Ah."

Liu Guoliang nodded slightly. "Call Chen Jin over. I want to have a chat with him."

"it is good."

Wang Hao immediately stopped Chen Jin's physical training.

Wiping sweat from his brow and breathing heavily, Chen Jin walked steadily to Liu Guoliang. "Coach Liu."

Chen Jin greeted him.

"how do you feel?"

Liu Guoliang asked.

"good."

Chen Jin breathed a sigh of relief. "Dealing with Hugo is more than enough."

"That's good."

Liu Guoliang's gaze lingered on Chen Jin's face for a few seconds.

The bright lights in the training hall cast deep shadows on Liu Guoliang's face, making his expression appear exceptionally serious, with a sense of impending doom.

"Chen Jin".

After a brief silence, Liu Guoliang finally spoke again, solemnly saying, "You have a heavy responsibility on your shoulders for this final."

"Brazilian media outlets are making threats, saying they'll tear down the Great Wall on our turf, in front of the whole world..."

Having said this, he paused.

The last three words seemed to be tempered with ice.

Chen Jin's pupils suddenly contracted.

"I won't say much else, but I have only one request for this final."

Liu Guoliang's voice suddenly rose, "We must never let the Portuguese national anthem be played again in Macau!"

These few words were like adding fuel to the fire, causing Chen Jin's blood to boil instantly.

"Yes!"

Chen Jin shouted loudly.

Looking into Chen Jin's eyes, which were burning with fire, Liu Guoliang pursed his lips, nodded heavily, and patted Chen Jin's shoulder forcefully.

The strength in his palm was substantial.

It was as if an immense burden had been imprinted onto the shoulders of the young man before them with this single slap.

"It's almost time."

Liu Guoliang waved his hand, "Go."

at this time.

Wang Hao walked over carrying the backpack with the national team logo and handed it to Chen Jin.

Then, the two walked side by side to the backstage area.

The women's singles final has reached the fourth game.

Sun Yingsha was full of momentum, while Ye Sijia was retreating step by step.

Compared to the former, it is truly remarkable that Ye Sijia, as a newcomer, was able to make it to the finals.

Sitting in the backstage rest area.

Waiting for the performance to begin.

Chen Jin's gaze shifted to Wang Hao beside him: "Huh?"

"Coach Wang, when did you put on hair gel?"

Wang Hao touched his hair with his other hand, a smug smile spreading across his face: "How about it? Handsome, right?"

"While you were chatting with Coach Liu, I took the opportunity to go to the restroom and applied some of this."

"Would you like to try some too?"

As he spoke, he bent down, picked up his backpack, unzipped the side pocket, and took out a small plastic bottle.

"Uh……"

Chen Jin was speechless for a moment. "I guess I won't need it?"

"fine."

Wang Hao unscrewed the bottle cap, and a faint fragrance wafted out. "Apply a little, and you'll feel refreshed."

“In the past, Ma Long and Xiao Pang would often use my hair gel, which led to their later Super Grand Slam.”

"Come here, let me give you a makeover myself."

Before Chen Jin could react...

Wang Hao had already reached out, his fingertips dabbing a little transparent, slightly sticky hairspray, and applied it to Chen Jin's hair.

The technique was swift and skillful, demonstrating natural ease.

She quickly gathered Chen's loose hair upwards and backwards, revealing her full forehead and clear eyebrows and eyes.

"Not bad, very handsome."

Wang Hao took a step back, examined his "work" closely, and nodded in satisfaction. "It looks like a champion."

Having finished speaking.

Take out your phone, open the camera, and take a photo with Chen Jin.

Two grown men, facing the camera, made old-fashioned peace signs, their smiles looking slightly stiff.

With the help of AI beauty filters, Wang Hao looked as if he had suddenly become twenty years younger.

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself in the upcoming match, just take it easy."

Wang Hao looked at Chen Jin and said seriously, "Relax and enjoy the game..."

The words were not finished.

Chen Jin shook his head and interrupted, "No, I'm not here to enjoy the game, I'm here to win it."

Each word was spoken slowly and deliberately, as if they were spoken with great force.

Hear the words.

Wang Hao was stunned for a moment.

He had heard something similar not long ago.

A smile appeared on Wang Hao's lips, and he patted Chen Jin's shoulder with a little force: "Okay, I'll fight alongside you in the final tonight."

"If we win, we celebrate together; if we lose, we shoulder the burden together."

Just finished.

Staff came to remind them to get ready to go on stage.

Wang Hao picked up his backpack and walked towards the passage leading to the finals venue.

At the end of the passage, the door was right in front of us.

A small indicator light above the door was lit up red, showing "Ready".

Below the seam, even brighter and more dazzling light from inside the main stadium shone through, along with fragments of an even more surging and powerful roar.

Chen Jin and Hugo stood behind the door, exchanging a deep look.

No words were needed; they appreciated each other implicitly.

Sudden.

Inside the arena, a powerful and penetrating sound suddenly erupted.

"HUUUUUUUUGO—— CALDERANOOOOO——!!!"

Cheers resounded.

Hugo was the first to appear.

Followed by.

A louder, more commanding voice, speaking in perfect Mandarin with a passion that seemed to tear the air apart, hysterically shouted: "Now—let's welcome—the Chinese athlete—Chen—Jin—!!!"

"Chen Jin! Chen Jin! Chen Jin!"

Instantly, cheers, applause, screams... surged forth like a tsunami and a landslide.

A tremendous roar violently pounded against the door at the end of the passage, as if trying to overturn it.

beep!

The red light on the door turned into a glaring green.

The passage was opened.

In an instant.

The dazzling lights, like sharp swords piercing the air, swept wildly.

The huge circular stands were packed with people waving countless bright red five-star flags, forming a surging red ocean.

The deafening cheers, like a tidal wave, rushed towards us with immense pressure.

The air vibrated violently, and even the floor beneath our feet seemed to resonate.

At the intersection of the passage and the light, Chen Jin subconsciously squinted slightly.

He never expected that there would be so many fans at the final.

"Whoo~"

Chen Jin let out a long breath.

All the complex emotions in his eyes were completely condensed and refined the moment he stepped out of the passage.

Only one thing remains.

--ice!

Ice strong enough to freeze all the noise and color around us.

Beneath the ice lies the raging flames of battle, threatening to consume everything.

Chen Jin straightened his back, raised his chin slightly, and stepped into the final Bajiquan arena with steady and firm steps, like a newly forged peerless sword.

Behind them, the passageway gate slowly closed.

There is no way out.

Ahead, there was only the table and the opponent.

The king does not see the king.

(End of this chapter)