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

Chapter 432 If the opponent is too weak, how can one become stronger?
The next day, at 8:10.

The Chinese national table tennis team boarded the plane on time.

Inside the cabin, the lighting was soft.

The group was slightly tired; some had fallen into a deep sleep during the long flight, while others wore headphones to isolate themselves from the outside world and immerse themselves in their own.

Chen Jin leaned against the window with his right hand, his profile illuminated by the sparse sunlight streaming through the porthole.

To his left, Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao sat side by side.

Xie Mingyang was looking down at his phone, the light from the screen illuminating his face. He looked focused, as if he was reviewing some kind of technical recording.

Zhang Jiahao yawned repeatedly, his eyelids drooping, clearly indicating he hadn't slept well last night.

Outside the porthole, the sea of ​​clouds surged.

Chen Jin withdrew his gaze, turned to his teammates beside him, and suddenly spoke.

"The qualifying rounds start tomorrow."

Chen Jin smiled, "After we land and head back to headquarters, would you like me to be your sparring partner for a while this afternoon?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Mingyang was taken aback.

She looked up at Chen Jin, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.

"You just finished the World Cup, aren't you tired?"

Xie Mingyang said in a low voice.

Although Chen Jin dominated the entire World Cup and ultimately won the championship.

However, he knew in his heart that the energy, physical strength, and pressure he was under were extraordinary.

After all, half of the zone has been lost.

Facing Hugo, who had gone on a rampage and defeated three opponents in a row, and also bearing the heavy responsibility of raising the national flag.

If I said I wasn't tired, no one would believe me.

Moreover, Chen Jin's spot in the Doha World Table Tennis Championships has already been secured, so he doesn't need to participate in the direct qualification tournament.

This is a good opportunity to take a good rest.

Unexpectedly, before they even returned to Beijing, Chen Jin offered to be their sparring partner.

How could Xie Mingyang not be moved by this?
Is he... worried about me?

Xie Mingyang's heart stirred slightly.

Although the Doha qualifying tournament was an internal selection process, the competition was extremely fierce, with all participants being top players from the Chinese national table tennis team.

Moreover, everyone was putting in their best effort, just to seize this opportunity.

In reality, Xie Mingyang was not entirely confident that he could break through the encirclement and secure a spot in the World Table Tennis Championships.

"Fortunately."

Chen Jin's lips curled slightly, a gentle smile playing on his lips. "Besides, while you guys are playing your match tomorrow, won't I get a break?"

"Row."

Xie Mingyang nodded.

Having spent a long time with Chen Jin, I have a deep understanding of Chen Jin's personality.

If you refuse, it will only create resentment.

the most important is.

This direct qualifying tournament for Doha is a rare opportunity for him.

Having Chen Jin as a sparring partner before the match would give him more confidence to face the challenge.

"Brother Jin."

Zhang Jiahao pouted, a hint of dissatisfaction in his expression. "Didn't we agree last night when I slept with you that you would become my exclusive sparring partner?"

"Why is someone surnamed Xie being dragged into this now?"

Chen Jin smiled and said nothing more.

Put on your headphones and close your eyes to rest.

More than three hours later, the plane landed smoothly.

Terminal 3 of Beijing Capital International Airport.

Beneath the enormous dome, crowds surged, and a cacophony of noise filled the air.

The Chinese national table tennis team, pushing their luggage carts, passed through the VIP passage with the guidance of coaches and staff.

Unexpectedly, fans were already waiting.

The moment he appeared.

The fans rushed over, pulled out their phones, shouted, and took pictures like crazy.

Among them are many of Chen Jin's fans.

Fortunately, the airport had made prior arrangements and strengthened security.

"Chen Jin!"

A gruff voice suddenly rang out, "Doha wins!"

Chen Jin looked in the direction of the sound.

But at the very back of the crowd, a tall, burly man was raising his arms and shouting.

"Brother Jin, you're so charming."

Zhang Jiahao chuckled, "There are actually male fans."

"Isn't it normal to have male fans?"

Before Chen Jin could answer, Xie Mingyang coldly glanced around and said, "It's not normal that they're all female fans."

"I just find it a little strange."

Chen Jin frowned slightly. "How did they know our flight information?"

The end of the passage.

A bus was quietly parked in the designated area, waiting for a long time.

The words "Training Bureau of the State General Administration of Sport" are affixed to the side of the vehicle.

Shortly after.

The bus slowly drove away from the airport and merged into the heavy traffic on the ring road.

Outside the window is the familiar scene of Beijing: towering buildings and bustling traffic.

Inside the train carriage, most of the coaches and athletes who had just gotten off the plane leaned back in their seats, closing their eyes to rest.

Only Zhang Jiahao remained energetic, discussing with Chen Jin where to eat after getting off the bus.

Upon arrival at headquarters.

It was already past noon.

Zhang Jiahao originally wanted to go out to eat: "I'm so damn craving douzhi (fermented mung bean juice)!"

Unfortunately, both Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang rejected his proposal.

After a quick meal in the cafeteria, I returned to my dormitory.

Just tidied up briefly.

Take this time and get some rest.

The two-hour rest passed quickly.

Half past two in the afternoon.

The doors opened almost simultaneously.

Chen Jin, Xie Mingyang, and Zhang Jiahao were already dressed and clean in their jerseys.

He was carrying a backpack and looked very energetic.

There was not a trace of fatigue on the faces of the three of them.

"Let's go!"

Zhang Jiahao shouted and rushed out of the dormitory like a gust of wind.

I ran into Lin Shidong as soon as I stepped out.

Judging from Lin Shidong's attire, he was clearly also heading to the training hall.

"Brother Stone".

Zhang Jiahao greeted him warmly, "Are you going to training too?"

"Ah."

Lin Shidong nodded.

In this World Cup, the loss to Hugo and the elimination in the quarterfinals exposed the weaknesses in their backhand.

Given his current situation, he is blocked by Fan Zhendong, Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun in front, and chased by Chen Jin, Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao behind.

If we don't intensify our training, I'm afraid we'll fall behind completely before long.

"Are you going to the training hall too?"

Lin Shidong looked at Chen Jin and asked, "Chen Jin, you just finished the World Cup, aren't you going to rest?"

"There will be plenty of time to rest later."

Chen Jin smiled and shook his head.

Upon hearing this.

Lin Shidong fell silent.

They just won the World Cup and immediately threw themselves into training upon returning... Such talent, such strength, and such diligence!

How could I possibly slack off?
"That's great."

Lin Shidong said, "I happen to have some questions I'd like to ask you..."

The four of them walked side by side.

The sky over Beijing was somewhat gloomy just after the Grain Rain solar term.

A gentle breeze rustled through the newly green leaves of the trees lining the roadside.

It turned out that the sounds coming from other training venues were shouts and the dull thuds of equipment colliding.

I just arrived at the entrance of the training hall.

A group of several people walked slowly towards us.

One of them, tall and straight like a bamboo pole, with a calm expression, was chatting amiably with the others around him.

"Director Wang?"

Zhang Jiahao recognized him at a glance and asked, somewhat puzzled, "Why is he here at headquarters too?"

This person was none other than Wang Liqin.

At this moment, Wang Liqin also saw Chen Jin and the others, and paused in his tracks.

After exchanging a few words with the people around him, Wang Liqin walked towards Chen Jin and the others with a smile on his face.

"Director Wang."

Chen Jin and his three companions stood in a row, neither humble nor arrogant, and greeted each other in unison.

Although Lin Shidong and Wang Liqin were not familiar with each other, how could he not know Wang Dali, the "enemy of ten thousand men" from the era of the two kings and one ma?

His expression conveyed respect for the senior figures in the table tennis world.

"Just got back from a competition in Macau, right?"

Wang Liqin sized up the four young men in front of him. Judging from their attire, he had already guessed what was going on. "Why don't you rest a little longer?"

"Tomorrow is the qualifying round."

Chen Jin said, "Everyone wants to practice."

"I see."

Wang Liqin looked at Chen Jin with a hint of doting in his eyes, "You played well in this World Cup."

"You single-handedly defended your half of the draw, upholding the glory and dignity of the Chinese national table tennis team." "Many leaders from the General Administration of Sport praised your performance highly and asked us to award you."

"However, the World Cup title is just the beginning. Considering that the Doha World Table Tennis Championships are next month, that will be the real test."

"Therefore, we will award them together after the World Table Tennis Championships."

Wang Liqin reached out and patted Chen Jin's shoulder hard, "Keep up the good work."

His expression and tone were full of expectation.

"Yes!"

Chen Jin's eyes were firm.

Nodding in satisfaction, Wang Liqin turned his gaze to Zhang Jiahao: "Jiahao, I heard you're also participating in the Doha qualifying round tomorrow?"

"Director Wang, you are truly well-informed and have a prophetic mind."

Zhang Jiahao was tense all over, his voice tinged with nervousness, as he blurted out the words.

He currently plays for the Shanghai team.

The pressure of dealing with your immediate supervisor is immense.

"Good job, keep up the good work."

Wang Liqin smiled slightly and said, "Don't let down the coaching staff's trust and the opportunity they've given you."

"Yes!"

Zhang Jiahao snapped to attention and shouted, "Give it your all and do your best!"

"Good good."

Wang Liqin gave his approval.

After speaking, he turned to look at Xie Mingyang.

The air seemed to freeze slightly the moment their eyes met.

"Director Wang..."

Xie Mingyang's eyes flickered, as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

Over the years, he has been favored by Wang Liqin and has received dedicated training from the Shanghai team.

In fact, Wang Liqin, as the director of the Shanghai Table Tennis and Badminton Association, often gave him special tutoring.

Under Wang Liqin's instruction, renowned national table tennis players such as Fan Zhendong, Xu Xin, and Zhao Zihao also devoted themselves to teaching him.

In the end, Xie Mingyang left the Shanghai team and joined the Beijing team.

I feel quite sorry for Wang Liqin and the Shanghai team.

Upon seeing him again, Xie Mingyang felt a pang of guilt.

“I watched your previous matches, including this World Cup, and you performed well.”

Wang Liqin said, "But the continuity and aggressiveness of the forehand still need to be improved."

"The first three boards can also be strengthened."

“These are all Chen Jin’s strengths; you can ask him for advice.”

"In addition, the Doha qualifying tournament is a great opportunity to gain experience, so be sure to make the most of it."

"I hope to see you play at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships."

His words sounded like a father's earnest advice to his daughter after she got married.

Xie Mingyang appeared calm on the surface, but deep down, his mind was already in turmoil.

A thousand words are stuck in my throat.

In the end, it all turned into a heavy "hmm".

Wang Liqin reached out and gently patted Xie Mingyang's shoulder, then turned her gaze to Lin Shidong.

"Lin Shidong".

Wang Liqin shouted.

"exist."

Lin Shidong hurriedly said.

"It's not easy for the Hainan team to cultivate such an outstanding player as you."

Wang Liqin said, "The future of men's table tennis depends entirely on you."

"come on."

Afterwards, Wang Liqin offered a few words of encouragement to the four of them.

Then he turned around and left.

Watching Wang Liqin's retreating figure, Zhang Jiahao felt a sense of relief, but still felt lingering fear. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "Holy crap, that scared me to death."

"Why did Director Wang suddenly appear at the headquarters?"

Are you coming to the General Administration for a meeting?

Chen Jin and the other two were also unaware of this.

Whatever the reason, this is a matter for the leaders, and has little to do with the players.

For them, the most important thing right now is tomorrow's direct qualification tournament for Doha.

The training hall was brightly lit.

The crisp, rapid sounds of hitting the ball, the sharp screech of shoes rubbing against the ground, the shouts of those swinging their rackets with force... all sorts of sounds rose and fell, echoing continuously in the stadium, as dense as a sudden downpour.

Chen Jinfu appeared.

It immediately attracted a lot of attention.

Wherever he went, people stopped what they were doing and stared at Chen Jinxing.

"Wow--"

Someone started clapping, though it was unclear who it was.

Followed by.

The applause was thunderous.

"Chen Jin, well done!"

Someone shouted.

In this World Cup, Hugo Arnold swept three opponents, while Lin Shidong and Wang Chuqin both lost, resulting in the loss of his half of the draw.

Brazilian media even went so far as to make the bold claim of "tearing down the Great Wall".

If Hugo does win the World Cup, let the Portuguese national anthem be played again in Macau.

What a humiliating disgrace this is for the Chinese national table tennis team!
Fortunately, Chen Jin withstood the pressure and won the championship decisively.

It's hard to imagine what would have become of the Chinese national table tennis team without Chen Jin.

The applause and cheers that filled the hall were undoubtedly the highest tribute to Chen Jin's triumphant return.

Chen Jin was deeply shaken by this scene.

All of a sudden.

He suddenly realized: "So this is the meaning of 'defending the glory of the Chinese national table tennis team'..."

He clasped his hands together and responded to each one.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, Chen Jin and his three companions found two empty pool tables in a corner.

Put down your backpack and start warming up.

Stretching, jogging around the table, footwork, swinging the racket without a ball... Although no one was supervising, they were meticulous in every detail.

Warm-up complete.

The four people were divided into two groups and began cross-competition training.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

The crisp, rhythmic sound of the ball hitting the shuttlecock was constant.

"Chen Jin, you were right before."

Lin Shidong lowered his eyes, with a hint of regret, "I made too many mistakes with my backhand, and at crucial moments, I simply couldn't hold on."

In the World Cup quarterfinals, he will face Hugo.

His backhand weakness was exposed, making him aggressive but unstable and prone to making mistakes.

Chen Jin had kindly reminded him of this point during their last encounter.

However, Lin Shidong didn't seem to take it to heart.

This crushing defeat in the World Cup has finally made him realize this.

Lin Shidong was well aware that if he didn't solve his backhand problem, it would inevitably affect his future.

Since Chen Jin has such keen insight that he can see the problem with his backhand, he must also be able to give me some pointers.

Therefore, I humbly seek your advice.

"Brother Stone, in my opinion, the reason why you make so many backhand mistakes is not due to your technique, but rather to your mentality and rhythm."

Chen Jin thought for a moment and said, "First, the attacks are too hasty, especially the backhand smashes close to the table, always thinking of winning in one go."

"I have to say, your explosive tearing move is indeed quite powerful once it's on stage, but your choice of line is too rigid, always only diagonal lines, making it easy for others to predict."

"Moreover, once your touch drops or the pressure increases, you'll make more mistakes."

"Second, the rhythm is chaotic. When you should be steady, you want to rush, but when you should take the initiative, you hesitate and want to play it safe."

"Between fast and slow, aggressive and steady, my rhythm got out of control, and I made more mistakes."

"I think you can try to slow down the pace of your backhand a bit. Don't rush to hit the ball with all your might. Focus on stability first, control the ball, open up the lines and landing points, and then improve the transition between your forehand and backhand."

As Chen Jin spoke, he demonstrated with his hands, “Backhand gains advantage, forehand scores points. Everyone understands these eight words.”

"But in the competition, only two people in the last ten years have been able to execute it effectively."

Speaking of which.

Chen Jin paused, looked at Lin Shidong who seemed to be deep in thought, and immediately took out a training ball from his pocket.

"There's no point in saying more, let's go for a bit."

Chen Jin picked up his racket and stood on one side of the table.

"it is good."

Lin Shidong nodded vigorously and immediately assumed the posture to receive the serve.

The pool table next door.

Xie Mingyang and Zhang Jiahao had already exchanged blows for two or three rounds, and were drenched in sweat.

Take a break midway to catch your breath and drink water.

Zhang Jiahao picked up a towel and wiped away his sweat, his eyes involuntarily glancing towards the next room.

"I really don't understand."

Zhang Jiahao said in a low voice, "Although Brother Stone is a teammate, he is also an opponent."

"Isn't identifying and addressing weaknesses the coaching staff's responsibility?"

"Why would Brother Jin go to such lengths to guide a potential rival?"

The key point is that Lin Shidong is one of their opponents in tomorrow's direct qualification competition.

Following Zhang Jiahao's gaze, Xie Mingyang's face revealed a knowing smile.

It was as if they were connected on a spiritual level.

"How can you become stronger if your opponent is too weak?"

(End of this chapter)