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

Chapter 439 Locking down the men's doubles pair of Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao!

"A major earthquake in the world of table tennis?"

Li Qian frowned, chopsticks in hand, and chuckled softly, "What major earthquake could possibly happen in the world of table tennis?"

"If the heart is pure as ice, one will not be alarmed even if the sky falls."

"Calm down!"

As he spoke, he calmly picked up a piece of beef, put it in his mouth, and slowly chewed it.

Seeing Zhang Jiahao's expression, Chen Jin's gaze darkened slightly.

He knew Zhang Jiahao well; unless something truly serious had happened, Zhang Jiahao would never have lost his composure like this.

Moreover, it doesn't seem like acting.

"What happened?"

Chen Jin asked.

At this moment, Xie Mingyang also stopped what he was doing and looked at Zhang Jiahao.

Zhang Jiahao's eyes remained fixed on the phone screen, his fingers swiping as if repeatedly verifying the authenticity of the information.

After a long while.

Then he raised his head.

The shock in his eyes not only did not subside, but intensified.

Exhaling a long breath, Zhang Jiahao spoke slowly and deliberately, his tone both shocked and absurd.

"Coach Liu steps down as president of the Table Tennis Association..."

The words were not finished.

It was like a cannonball falling from the sky and exploding loudly in everyone's ears.

But it brought no sound.

Instead, there was silence.

Deathly silence.

Deep down, it was like a meteorite from outer space crashing into the middle of the Pacific Ocean, creating a monstrous wave.

"what?!"

Li Qian's movements suddenly froze in mid-air, his eyes wide with disbelief, his voice trembling slightly, "Who...who stepped down?"

"Coach Liu Guoliang".

Zhang Jiahao said in a low voice.

This statement came out.

Like a thunderclap, the sound rang in his ears, and Li Qian was completely stunned.

pat!

The chopsticks in his hand fell to the ground.

"How can this be?"

Lin Shidong almost jumped up, his voice trembling, his face also filled with disbelief, "Is this for real?"

"Do not."

Xie Mingyang held his phone, his expression serious. "It's true."

Without needing to search, countless push notifications flood into the phone like a tide.

Every single post was accompanied by a shocking headline and a dark red "Explosive" tag.

#Breaking News! Liu Guoliang Steps Down as President of the Chinese Table Tennis Association#
#Table Tennis Association changes coaches! Liu Guoliang steps down!#
#The Liu Guoliang era is over! Is the Chinese table tennis team about to undergo a major change?#
#Major Earthquake in Table Tennis! Change of Leadership in China's National Table Tennis Team: What are their intentions ahead of the Doha World Table Tennis Championships?#
#Liu Guoliang steps down as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association! Is retribution finally coming?#
#Will Liu Guoliang take the railway after stepping down as president of the Chinese Table Tennis Association?#
……

The push notifications were mostly sent two hours ago.

It was during the height of the selection process.

His mind was completely focused on the game, and he was completely cut off from all outside information.

Unbeknownst to them, a storm powerful enough to shake the world of table tennis had already silently descended.

Recovering from his shock, Li Qian bent down to pick up the chopsticks from the ground and asked in a deep voice, "Who has taken over as the president of the Table Tennis Association?"

"Director Wang Liqin."

Zhang Jiahao's expression was somewhat complicated.

"Oh my God."

Lin Shidong was still in shock. "How could Coach Liu... This is too sudden."

At the same time, there was also some confusion: "Isn't Coach Liu's term over yet?"

For the Chinese national table tennis team, there is no doubt that the name Liu Guoliang has been deeply associated with the team's glory for a long time.

From Grand Slam champion to meritorious coach, and then to head of the Chinese Table Tennis Association, Liu Guoliang is almost a symbol and helmsman of an era for Chinese table tennis.

His thinking, strategy, and personal charisma have influenced every aspect of the Chinese national table tennis team.

Now, how can it not be shocking that the fat guy who doesn't understand football has suddenly left amidst mixed reviews?
"Could it be..."

Lin Shidong lowered his voice, "Just like the rumors say, does Coach Liu really have a problem with his conduct?"

Since the Paris Olympics, Liu Guoliang has been embroiled in a media storm for more than half a year.

Although it has not been confirmed, there are bound to be some rumors circulating in private.

His sudden resignation without warning inevitably raises suspicions.

"According to the official statement, Coach Liu himself said that in order to ensure the integrity of the Los Angeles Olympic cycle and the smooth transition between generations, after careful consideration, he took the initiative to propose to no longer serve as the president of the Table Tennis Association."

Xie Mingyang's tone was calm and even.

"Resigning voluntarily?"

Lin Shidong frowned slightly. "During meetings and training sessions, there was absolutely no indication that Coach Liu intended to step down voluntarily."

Indeed, since the Paris Olympics, the Chinese national table tennis team has faced unprecedented public pressure.

The 32-player Olympic men's singles final, the development of a talent pool, Long Pang's withdrawal from the tournament, Fan Zhendong's withdrawal from the World Volleyball Championship, WTT reforms, the "three-in-one" system... all these questions point directly to Liu Guoliang.

However, Liu Guoliang remained unmoved.

It's important to understand that his career was built under immense pressure.

The doping scandal during his time as a competitor, the act of shaving his head to show his determination during a low point in his career...

He became the head coach of the men's table tennis team in 2003, and then experienced the darkest moment of losing the gold medal in the men's singles at the Athens Olympics...

Then in 2017, there was the shocking withdrawal from the 623 tournament that stunned the world of table tennis...

Liu Guoliang has weathered even the biggest storms.

I'm already used to this kind of pressure.

However, his sudden resignation, especially before the end of his term, is enough to give rise to much speculation.

As a coach, Li Qian was no less shaken than his players.

But he was well aware that at this sensitive time, maintaining morale and being cautious in his words and actions were the top priorities.

Think of this.

Li Qian composed himself, tapped the table lightly with his fingers, and said solemnly, "This is an official decision, and there is a reason for it."

"As players, we should not make any rash comments during this sensitive period, and even more so, we should not spread any speculations in private or get involved in public opinion."

"Doing our job well, training, competing, and achieving results are the most important things for us."

Zhang Jiahao and Lin Shidong fell silent immediately after being swept by his stern gaze.

But the shock in his eyes and the turbulent thoughts in his mind were difficult to calm down for a while.

"After you finish eating, go back and get some rest."

Li Qian reached out and patted Zhang Jiahao on the shoulder, then said to Chen Jin, "There's another match this afternoon, don't let it affect you."

"clear."

Chen Jin nodded.

……

Back in the dormitory, I closed the door.

Zhang Jiahao finally couldn't hold back and burst into laughter.

"What are you laughing at?"

Chen Jin glanced at him.

"Brother Jin, the director has become the chairman."

Zhang Jiahao's voice revealed an indescribable excitement and anticipation, "Director Wang... no, Chairman Wang is, after all, the leader of our Shanghai team. Now that he's in charge of the Table Tennis Association, won't we become Chairman Wang's loyal followers?"

"From now on, will resources and opportunities start to gravitate towards us?"

"Is Dong Ge able to come back and play in the competition?"

"The one surnamed Xie."

Zhang Jiahao turned to Xie Mingyang, beaming with pride, "Are you regretting leaving our Shanghai team and joining the Beijing team now?"

"What a waste!"

Xie Mingyang gave Zhang Jiahao a cold glance, then ignored him and headed straight for the bathroom. "Hey, hey, hey, Xie, what's with your attitude?"

Zhang Jiahao shouted, "Just say you're jealous."

"Brother Jin, aren't you right?"

"With Chairman Wang protecting us, does that mean we can enjoy the same treatment as the Beijing team from now on?"

"During the World Cup, didn't the Beijing team provide Wang Chuqin with five coaching staffs? In the end, he only made it to the semi-finals."

When can we enjoy this kind of treatment too?

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin sneered twice and rolled his eyes: "When you sleep at night, prop your pillow up a bit, and you'll have all sorts of dreams."

He knew that, given Wang Liqin's character and consistent style of doing things, he and Zhang Jiahao probably wouldn't receive any preferential treatment in terms of resources just because they were from the Shanghai team.

More importantly, from this position, countless eyes, wearing magnifying glasses, were closely watching Wang Liqin's every move.

One wrong move and you're doomed.

"I know."

Zhang Jiahao sighed deeply, "Putting everything else aside, I just hope that from now on, the distribution of resources and opportunities can be a little fairer."

"Opportunities are earned through one's own abilities."

Chen Jin said, "Without strength, having resources and opportunities is at best a repeat of the Paris Olympics."

"So stop complaining. The doubles qualifying match this afternoon is the most important thing for you right now. It's an opportunity you have to fight for yourself."

"Take a break and recharge your energy."

For Zhang Jiahao, the singles competition is no longer a possibility for him to participate in the Doha World Table Tennis Championships.

The only hope is to place it on doubles.

At least, Chen Jin is there to fall back on in doubles.

The probability of it occurring increases dramatically.

Of course, this also requires Zhang Jiahao's own efforts.

"understand!"

Zhang Jiahao's expression hardened, and he said loudly, "Brother Jin, don't worry, I will definitely give it my all in the doubles this afternoon!"

……

Half past two in the afternoon.

Chen Jin and his two companions set off on time for the training hall.

Although Xie Mingyang doesn't have any matches, it's absolutely unacceptable to leave him alone in the dormitory.

Upon arriving at the training hall, the atmosphere was noticeably different from that of the morning.

There is no doubt that everyone already knows the news that Liu Guoliang has stepped down as president of the Table Tennis Association.

Although no one discussed the matter, the exchange of glances between them clearly carried a complex and unspoken meaning.

Putting everything else aside, Liu Guoliang truly deserves the title of "meritorious coach".

"Brother Jin, you said..."

The moment Zhang Jiahao stepped into the training hall, he looked into the distance and suddenly spotted a familiar, tall figure.

It was none other than Wang Liqin.

The newly appointed president of the Table Tennis Association looked less gentle and more serious.

Accompanied by Qin Zhijian, Li Xun, Wang Hao, and Ma Lin, he stood on the sidelines with his arms crossed, seemingly engaged in conversation.

Wang Liqin, dressed in a white shirt, looked calm and composed as he surveyed the players entering the court, as well as the referees and the table tennis table making their final preparations.

The atmosphere in the training hall was somewhat somber.

Liu Guoliang was the only one not to be seen.

"A new broom sweeps clean?"

Zhang Jiahao whispered, "Director Wang, no, Chairman Wang, you're inspecting the work so soon?"

"Damn, this is making me a little nervous, I need to pee."

At this moment.

Wang Liqin's gaze swept over Chen Jin and the other two who appeared at the door.

"!"

Zhang Jiahao immediately shrank by half.

"It really feels a bit strange without Coach Liu around."

Behind me, someone lowered their voice and muttered to themselves.

Wang Liqin stood on the sidelines, deliberately keeping his distance, and did not greet Chen Jin and the others.

Their eyes met, and they nodded slightly.

Even the opening remarks were given by Qin Zhijian.

No one mentioned the change of head coach at the Table Tennis Association.

Four pairs participated in the men's doubles qualifying rounds.

Chen Jin/Zhang Jiahao, Lin Shidong/Lin Gaoyuan, Liang Jingkun/Huang Youzheng, and Xiang Peng/Yuan Licen.

The tournament format is the same as for singles, using a round-robin format, best of five games, with a tiebreaker in the final seven games.

The top two pairs in the final standings will qualify for the men's doubles at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships.

Under the supervision of the chief referee.

Zhang Jiahao and Lin Shidong stepped forward and drew lots in front of everyone to determine their opponents in the first round.

Soon, the results of the match were announced.

First round.

Chen Jin/Zhang Jiahao VS Xiang Peng/Yuan Licen.

Lin Shih-tung/Lin Kao-yuan VS Liang Ching-kun/Huang Yu-cheng.

"Wang Chuqin didn't participate in the men's doubles this time, so he's under a lot of pressure."

Qin Zhijian stood beside Wang Liqin and spoke slowly and deliberately, as if reporting on his work: "Either they are all newcomers, or they are experienced people mentoring newcomers."

"Ah."

Wang Liqin nodded and asked, "How were these four doubles pairs decided?"

"Xiang Peng and Yuan Licen have partnered many times and have considerable experience and competitiveness in doubles. Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao also won the men's doubles title at last year's World Junior Championships."

Qin Zhijian said, "However, since they are all complete newcomers, whether in singles or doubles, they have never participated in the World Table Tennis Championships, so they may lack experience."

"Therefore, after careful consideration, the coaching staff decided to create two more mentor-mentee pairs."

"In this way, the two pairs of complete newcomers and the two pairs of experienced players mentoring newcomers can form a competitive rivalry..."

Wang Liqin listened quietly without interrupting.

He understood that the coaching staff's arrangement was perfectly reasonable.

After all, with Long Pang retired, relying solely on Wang Chuqin in doubles is far from enough for the current Chinese national table tennis team.

We definitely need new players to step up.

Think of this.

Wang Liqin's gaze involuntarily fell on Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao.

"Although Chen Jin is very strong individually and has partnered with Zhang Jiahao in doubles to win the men's doubles title at the World Junior Championships, it is completely different from the World Table Tennis Championships."

Wang Liqin wondered to himself, "I wonder if the two of them can qualify for the doubles?"

There was a pause.

Wang Liqin seemed to have thought of something and said, "Should we shuffle the groups and have them mix up again?"

"For example, take the pairing of Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao. If we break them up and pair Chen Jin with Huang Youzheng, and Zhang Jiahao with Lin Shidong..."

Hear the words.

Qin Zhijian's heart skipped a beat. Was this a targeted attack on him?

He had made a similar suggestion to Liu Guoliang back then.

However, times have changed.

"There's no need for that."

Qin Zhijian quickly said, "First, Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao have a very good working relationship."

"Secondly, Huang Youzheng's personal abilities are far inferior to Zhang Jiahao's."

"Huang Youzheng lost to Zhang Jiahao in both the National Championships and the qualifiers."

"Pairing Huang Youzheng with Chen Jin completely hindered Chen Jin's performance."

"My suggestion is to lock down the men's doubles pair of Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao, let them play more matches and accumulate more doubles experience."

"Perhaps we'll be counting on them to win the men's doubles gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics."

(End of this chapter)