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

Chapter 433 Direct Qualifying Tournament for Doha!
4 month 22 day.

nine in the morning.

Training Center, Gymnasium.

The atmosphere was completely different from yesterday.

The usual noise during training was replaced by a solemn tension.

The air seemed to be filled with invisible gunpowder smoke.

A red banner reading "Direct to Doha World Table Tennis Championships Selection Tournament" was hung in the most prominent position in the venue.

Ten pool tables, neatly arranged.

Each table is equipped with a professional referee's table and a scoring system.

Outside the stadium, in addition to coaches, team doctors, and staff, there were also some young players who had been granted permission to come and watch the game.

Chen Jin was among them.

Li Qian, whom we haven't seen for many days, stood beside Chen Jin with his arms crossed, looking somewhat haggard.

"Instructor Li."

Chen Jin asked in a low voice, "Have you finished dealing with things at home?"

"Ah."

Li Qian nodded.

"Condolences."

"Thank you."

After a pause, Li Qian forced a smile, "As your nominal head coach, it's a real pity that I couldn't be there to witness such an important moment as your World Cup victory."

"But it's okay, I'm determined to make up for my regrets at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships."

The implication is clear: they hope Chen Jin can win the men's singles title at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships.

"it is good."

Chen Jin said, "I will do my best."

While the two were talking.

There are two teams, men's and women's, with a total of twenty contestants participating in the direct qualifying competition.

At this moment, they stood in formation.

A serious and tense expression was etched on everyone's face.

Qin Zhijian, Li Xun, Wang Hao, and Ma Lin were all present.

As a representative of the Table Tennis Association, Qin Zhijian addressed the audience: "...We are both teammates and opponents. I hope that in the upcoming matches, we can all demonstrate our skills and sportsmanship."

"Ok?"

Chen Jin found it a bit strange, "Why is it Coach Qin giving a speech?"

Logically speaking, in the past, Liu Guoliang would definitely have attended this kind of occasion in person.

But strangely, Liu Guoliang was absent this time.

"Something must have happened that caused the delay."

Li Qian guessed.

I didn't have time to think about it.

Li Xun, head coach of the Chinese national table tennis team, announced the start of the match.

The chief referee, holding the list, began to read the match schedule aloud to the public.

"Table 1, Chen Yuanyu, Xiang Peng."

"Table 2, Ye Sijia, Lin Xinyu."

"Table 3, Lin Gaoyuan, Zhang Jiahao."

……

Zhang Jiahao's eyes widened immediately: "I'm going to play Lin Gaoyuan in my very first match?"

Before the match, he had already decided on a strategy to abandon singles and focus on doubles.

However, the singles qualifiers cannot be too weak, since the coaching staff is watching.

Therefore, Zhang Jiahao's idea was to go all out in the first five games.

Even if they can't make it into the top two, they shouldn't fall to the bottom two.

Unexpectedly, in the very first match, he encountered Lin Gaoyuan.

This is one of the five tigers of men's table tennis in the Paris cycle!
"Lin Gaoyuan participating in the selection competition, isn't this a clear case of being outmaneuvered? It's practically a pre-arranged winner!"

Zhang Jiahao gritted his teeth, "No, we can't lose the battle even if we lose the game."

In any case, the selection competition is a round-robin tournament.

Sooner or later, they would all encounter Lin Gaoyuan.

Die early and be reincarnated early.

"Only by sparring with such experts can I better demonstrate my abilities in front of the coaching staff."

Zhang Jiahao thought to himself, "Losing won't be a loss, winning will be a huge profit."

"Zhang Jiahao, you can do it! You're awesome!"

"Roger that!"

My mind hasn't changed.

The chief referee continued, "Table 7, Lin Shidong, Xie Mingyang."

The words had not yet finished.

Xie Mingyang and Lin Shidong exchanged a glance.

Their gazes clashed like swords, sparks flew, and the fighting spirit burned fiercely.

"...Table 10, Xue Fei, Sun Zheng."

With a snap, the chief referee closed his folder, glanced around, and announced, "All matches will be best-of-five, with a tiebreaker in the final seven."

"In case of any disputes during the match, please respect the referee's decision."

"If you have any objections to the referee's decision, you may file a complaint with me."

"All right."

"Referees in position, players enter the arena."

Having finished speaking.

The referees and contestants scattered, each taking their positions, ready for battle.

Ten matches will be played simultaneously.

Like ten unsheathed swords, they launched their first assault on the precious spots for the Doha World Table Tennis Championships.

soon.

The crisp, rapid sound of the ball hitting the shuttlecock echoed throughout the vast training hall.

"Chen Jin, who do you think will get a spot in the Doha tournament?"

Li Qian asked.

There are now only two spots left for the Doha tournament.

For the eleven men on the male track, the competition is fierce and the pressure is immense.

"What do you think, Professor Li?"

Chen Jin countered with a question.

"Personally, I have a higher opinion of Lin Gaoyuan and Lin Shidong."

Li Qian thought for a moment and said.

Admittedly, Lin Gaoyuan is already a veteran in his thirties, but he still firmly holds one of the top five main players in men's table tennis.

The reason for this, besides the left-handed player, is more importantly that other young players, such as Xiang Peng and Xue Fei, do not pose a significant challenge to him.

Although Lin Gaoyuan has been struggling in international matches recently, it is often not a matter of tactics or technique.

The problem often stems from Lin Gaoyuan's mindset.

There are no wrong nicknames, only wrong names – the title "Lin Daiyu" is certainly not undeserved when applied to Lin Gaoyuan.

However, it is different from foreign wars.

The direct qualification tournament is an internal battle, and most of the opponents are familiar faces.

Lin Gaoyuan has no need to worry about his mentality; he is naturally brave and invincible.

As for Lin Shidong, with his strength, he absolutely deserves the title of "the strongest male player of the middle generation of Chinese table tennis".

If they perform normally, Xiang Peng and Xue Fei are no match for Lin Shidong.

Therefore, Li Qian's prediction is based on sound reasoning and evidence, and is by no means a figment of imagination.

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded. "However, I think both Lao Xie and Jiahao have a chance."

Needless to say, Xie Mingyang will definitely go all out for this World Table Tennis Championships.

Zhang Jiahao may seem carefree and casual, and he may say things like "abandoning odds to protect evens," but deep down, he harbors a fire that has never been extinguished.

The outcome is still uncertain; anyone could be the dark horse.

While talking.

All ten matches have begun.

The highlight of the first round was undoubtedly the match between Xie Mingyang and Lin Shidong at table number 7.

Lin Shidong's strength and achievements are evident to all.

Xie Mingyang also began to show his talent.

This match marks the first time the two have faced off.

It's naturally full of highlights.

This attracted the attention of Wang Hao, Liu Zhiqiang, and others.

Guess the ball.

Xie Mingyang has the right to serve.

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Lin Shidong took a short step forward.

Xie Mingyang returned to the middle lane.

Lin Shidong took another step forward, and before he could even stand still, he had already started to twist and pull.

"laugh!"

A flick and spin shot, the return ball goes into the net.

1: 0.

A hint of annoyance flashed in Lin Shidong's eyes as he lightly slapped his own face: "During yesterday's training, Chen Jin repeatedly reminded me about the mid-lane flick, how could I still make such a mistake?"

"A leopard can't change its spots!"

"Slow down, slow down."

"Don't rush, keep a steady pace."

Take a deep breath.

With his left hand on his hip, he bent down, his eyes like a hawk's, staring intently at the opponent, ready to receive the serve.

The middle path is short.

Do not forward.

Lin Shidong's backhand long chop.

Xie Mingyang took a half step back with his left foot, then launched a backhand topspin shot.

Although the ball speed is slow, the arc is low and flat, and the spin is extremely strong.

Seeing this, Lin Shidong instinctively tried to use his signature backhand tearing motion.

But, the moment the attack was made.

Chen Jin's voice suddenly rang in my ears.

A chill in my chest.

They immediately changed tactics mid-game, sticking close to Xie Mingyang and suppressing him in the middle lane.

Xie Mingyang's reaction was also incredibly fast.

Take a step forward to create space.

"Snapped!"

Tear a straight line in reverse.

Lin Shidong's offensive and defensive transitions are as smooth as flowing water, using the opponent's force against them, and quickly driving diagonally with his forehand.

The ball, like a sharp sword, aimed straight at Xie Mingyang's right corner of the table.

Xie Mingyang pushed off with his feet, took a cross step, and lunged forward with a forehand, pulling back at the limit.

Lin Shidong held firm at mid-to-close range and unleashed a powerful forehand smash down the line.

1: 1.

"Huh?" Wang Hao, watching from the sidelines, showed a hint of surprise on his face after witnessing the play. "How come Lin Shidong seems to have developed a brain?"

Based on his understanding of Lin Shidong, if it were any other time, he would have shown no mercy and torn the ball apart without hesitation when faced with such a high-reaching lob.

It's either you or me who dies.

Unexpectedly, Lin Shidong's move this time actually blocked a shot.

Although it was only a slight change in one ball, it was enough to surprise Wang Hao.

"The transitions between offense and defense with forehand and backhand seem to be smoother now."

Wang Hao wondered, "Could it be that the World Cup defeat suddenly made this kid see the light?"

However, it's just a ball, so there's only so much you can see.

The key question is whether Lin Shidong can avoid making the same mistakes when the competition gets intense.

Before the thought even shifted, the serve was changed.

The forehand is short.

Side-up.

Xie Mingyang took a step forward, seized the landing point, raised his elbow and lowered his shoulder, and twisted and pulled in a straight line.

"laugh!"

It has strong rotation and high speed.

The white ball, like an arrow released from a bow, flew towards Lin Shidong's backhand side.

Judging from Xie Mingyang's movements, Lin Shidong originally thought that Xie Mingyang was going to twist his right half of the table with his other hand.

The body's center of gravity has shifted towards the forehand position.

Unexpectedly, the prediction was wrong.

Fortunately, Lin Shidong reacted very quickly, forcefully twisting his waist to return to defense with a backhand.

Unfortunately, it cannot take the initiative to exert its power.

You can only play high balls.

"!"

Xie Mingyang's pupils suddenly contracted, and his killing intent surged.

Slide to the side and adjust your stance.

He prepares his hand to generate power.

"Snapped!"

The ball flew like a cannonball, hurtling towards Lin Shidong's left side of the table, continuing to pressure Lin Shidong's backhand.

Lin Shih-tung leaped behind him, already retreating to the far end of the table, and with a backhand flick, he placed a high ball.

"Snapped!"

Xie Mingyang delivered another powerful smash.

The placement was precise, landing in Lin Shidong's backhand small triangle.

The ping-pong ball flew diagonally towards the left-side barrier.

Lin Shidong took a step, his movements as swift as a ghost and as fast as lightning, and with a backhand long-range shot, he unleashed a powerful cross-court shot towards the center line of Xie Mingyang's side of the table.

Xie Mingyang pushed off with his feet, slid again, lowered his center of gravity, and swung his racket to meet the ball.

"Snapped!"

A powerful forehand smash followed by a cross-court shot.

Lin Shidong was not afraid at all. He stood firmly on the far side of the table, lowered his center of gravity, and met the incoming ball with a powerful backhand flick.

He actually used a long-range backhand to directly counter Xie Mingyang's mid-to-close-range forehand.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

After several rounds, neither side could gain the upper hand.

Lin Shidong twisted his wrist and forcibly changed lanes.

Xie Mingyang lunged forehand, his footwork a little slow, hitting the edge of the paddle.

"昘——"

The ball went out of bounds.

2: 1.

"Lin Shidong's mid-to-long-range backhand ability is still excellent."

Li Qian clapped and praised, "He actually managed to force a straight line after Xie Mingyang's continuous powerful forehand attacks from mid-to-close range."

"Old Xie is still a bit conservative."

Chen Jin frowned slightly. "Originally, he had the initiative to change the course of the game, but he was determined to break through Lin Shidong's counterattack..."

"Avoiding their strengths and attacking their weaknesses is the core of competitive tactics."

On the field.

Xie Mingyang seemed to have realized this problem as well.

In the following matches, I stopped getting carried away and instead incorporated more variety into my shot placement and trajectory.

However, Lin Shidong is not someone to be trifled with.

Among the younger generation, his forehand and backhand single-stroke quality truly earns him the nickname "Explosive Brother".

Game 1.

The two players were neck and neck, with the score remaining very close.

They were locked in a stalemate until 10:10.

At the crucial point, facing Xie Mingyang's topspin attack, Lin Shidong seemed to reflexively counter with a powerful backhand rip.

"Snapped!"

The force was not properly controlled.

The ball went out of bounds.

11: 10.

Xie Mingyang reached game point.

"Urgent again!"

Lin Shidong slapped himself, his face full of regret. "The more crucial the ball, the more you need to stay calm."

"Hohoho heho."

Lin Shidong jumped around a few times and shouted twice to relieve the stress.

Immediately afterwards, he put his hands on his hips and bent down to receive the serve.

Xie Mingyang served too long.

Chasing position.

Approaching the end line.

Lin Shidong's powerful shot was met with a headbutt, and his return shot went into the net.

12: 10.

The score is 1-0.

Xie Mingyang won the first game.

"what?"

Li Qian was both surprised and delighted: "Xie Mingyang actually won the first game against Lin Shidong?"

"It looks like there's real hope."

however.

Lin Shidong's ability to adapt is also quite strong.

Moreover, through the first game, they gradually adapted to Xie Mingyang's intensity and rhythm.

He handles the ball more steadily on his backhand side, no longer aiming for a one-shot victory, but instead using spin and placement to move Xie Mingyang around.

However, the forehand continuous attacks or single-shot smashes have become increasingly fierce.

Xie Mingyang was unable to cope for a while and suffered repeated defeats.

11: 8.

11: 5.

Lin Shidong won two consecutive games, bringing the overall score to 2-1.

In the fourth game, Xie Mingyang was already backed into a desperate situation.

They acted decisively and fought fiercely.

Ke Linshidong was clearly prepared, keeping a close eye on the ball and strengthening his forehand and backhand defense and counter-attacks.

Xie Mingyang fought several times, but Lin Shidong thwarted each of his attacks.

Trailing 4-7, Xie Mingyang called a timeout.

Although there was no off-field guidance, it was enough for Xie Mingyang to calm down and carefully consider his tactics.

The comeback is temporarily suspended.

Xie Mingyang changed his aggressive tactics and instead strengthened his control over the table.

This change caught Lin Shidong completely off guard.

Lin Shih-tung's control of the table was relatively weak to begin with, and Hsieh Ming-yang managed to score 5 points in a row.

7: 9.

Then, Lin Shidong served a long ball, forcing his way in, trying to drag the game into his familiar rhythm.

Xie Mingyang seemed to have seen through his thoughts, and relied on side attacks and defensive counterattacks to win the fourth game 11-9.

The score is 2-2.

Five sets to decide the winner.

Game 7.

This game is not only about basic skills and tactics, but also about mentality and resilience.

When the last ball landed.

7: 4.

As it turned out, Lin Shidong was still the better player.

Lin Shidong emerged victorious thanks to his powerful forehand and backhand long-range rallies.

"Whoo~"

Xie Mingyang let out a breath.

He was covered in sweat, but there was not a trace of defeat or frustration on his face.

He bent down, picked up a towel, walked around the table, and extended his right hand to Lin Shidong, giving him a light high five.

"Well played."

"You too."

The two did not linger; after signing the papers, they left the arena.

Xie Mingyang wiped his sweat and was about to lift his leg to step over the barrier.

Sudden.

not far away.

A roar filled with excitement suddenly resounded like a thunderclap.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

Xie Mingyang couldn't help but look in the direction of the sound.

At table number 3, Zhang Jiahao looked extremely excited, as if he had won a huge lottery prize, and he raised his arms and shouted.

In contrast, his opponent, Lin Gaoyuan, looked somewhat dejected.

"Ok?"

Xie Mingyang raised an eyebrow. "Zhang Jiahao beat Lin Lin and Gao Yuandong?"

at the same time.

Wang Hao and others, including Chen Jin and Li Qian, were also drawn over by Zhang Jiahao's roar.

"I go!"

Li Qian looked surprised. "21:19... Are they playing badminton here?"

"The score is 3-1?"

"Zhang Jiahao really... won?"

It was initially thought that Zhang Jiahao's chances of winning against Lin Gaoyuan were slim, and that he would almost be completely crushed.

To everyone's surprise, Zhang Jiahao, whom no one had high hopes for, actually proved himself.

(End of this chapter)