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

Chapter 444 Xie Mingyang VS Shinozuka Daito, a five-round battle!

“Time!”

As the referee's warning rang out.

The second game begins.

Returning to the field, Xie Mingyang's eyes seemed to gleam with a sharp, tempered edge.

The loss in the first game, coupled with Li Qian's encouragement, eased some of the nervousness he felt making his debut in a major competition.

"Da da da, da da da..."

Xie Mingyang stood on the left side of the table, holding a ping-pong ball, and took a deep breath.

He turned his head and glanced at her, his gaze sharp.

Toss the ball and prepare to swing.

"laugh!"

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Shinozuka Hiroto won the first game and was riding high on momentum.

In addition, there was the order given by Seiya Kishikawa during the break just now.

An attempt to maintain a strong position.

Take a step forward and seize the landing point.

Lower your shoulders and raise your elbows.

Fingers and wrists, exerting force with a short burst, the board slightly tilted, twisting and pulling diagonally.

Facing this ball, Xie Mingyang did not rush to exert force, but instead used the opponent's force against him, and defended with his backhand.

Shinozuka Daito slid to the side and thrust forward with his forehand, suppressing Xie Mingyang's left side of the table.

Xie Mingyang remained calm and continued to apply defensive measures.

However, the landing point changed slightly.

Slightly to the right of the middle, the line is tailgating.

Now, it was Shinozuka Hiroto's turn to be on the defensive.

Shinozuka Hiroto reacted quickly, flicking the ball back with a backhand and barely managing to return it.

However, the quality is questionable.

"Chance!"

Xie Mingyang slid to the side, preparing his shot and gathering power.

A powerful surge down the slope is inevitable.

Startled, Shinotsuka Hiroto quickly returned to defend the right half of the table, his backhand position.

Unexpectedly, Xie Mingyang feinted and fired a straight shot.

Shinozuka Hiroto's expression changed slightly. He tried to start again, but the ball flew out as soon as his foot left the ground.

1: 0.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

On the sidelines, Li Qian leaped up, clenched his fist, and roared, shouting at Xie Mingyang's back, "Keep playing like this, stay calm!"

Xie Mingyang clenched his left fist tightly, his gaze becoming even more focused.

This point seems simple.

But that set the tone for the second game.

In the following game, Xie Mingyang changed his aggressive and reckless style from the first game, and instead played steadily, maintaining a close and consistent pace.

No matter how fast Shinozuka Daito was moving, Xie Mingyang remained calm and composed.

Shinozuka Daito's attacks were like a surging tide, one wave after another.

Xie Mingyang's defense was like a rock, unmoving.

Once they seized an opportunity when Shinozuka Daito was off guard, they suddenly unleashed their power, making Shinozuka Daito suffer greatly.

Pressure crept into my heart.

Shinozuka Daito originally tried to intensify the fight and disrupt Xie Mingyang's rhythm.

Therefore, some of the balls were exceptionally fierce.

However, this also comes with a higher risk of error.

The score gradually widened.

4: 1.

6: 2.

9: 4.

……

Xie Mingyang played steadily and confidently, becoming increasingly calm and composed, maintaining firm control of the rhythm of the second game.

"nice shot!"

"Zhu--"

Seeing Xie Mingyang holding a huge advantage in this game, Zhang Jiahao, watching from the stands, was overjoyed, gesturing wildly, "That Xie guy has finally found some form again..."

"Pretty!"

"10-4, game point secured!"

"This game should be in the bag."

Zhang Jiahao licked his lips, swallowed, and cleared his throat. "With such a big score difference, if Xie can still turn this around, I'll mock him for the rest of my life."

The words are not finished yet.

Hsieh Ming-yang launched a series of forehand attacks, firmly suppressing Shinozuka Hiroto on the right side of the table.

Before Shinozuka Daito could turn to the side and resolve the passive situation with a forehand, Xie Mingyang suddenly switched to a backhand and quickly ripped a straight shot.

The speed and angle were so great that Shinozuka Hiroto could only watch helplessly as the ball bounced away.

11: 4.

The score is now set.

Xie Mingyang swung his arm forcefully and exhaled a long breath.

This victory not only leveled the overall score.

More importantly, Xie Mingyang recovered from the setback of losing the first game and regained his confidence.

"Well played."

Back on the sidelines, Li Qian greeted him with a smile, "See? As long as you stay calm, Shinozuka Daito simply can't break through your defense."

"With the score tied at 1-1, the next match is like the starting line, so let's treat it as a best-of-five series."

"Shinozuka Hiroto will definitely fight again, and we can't just play it safe."

"Be steady yet aggressive. When it's time to get started, get started; when it's time to transition, transition. Have faith in yourself."

"Even if you're behind, don't panic, catch up point by point..."

"Pay attention to continuity and connection."

"come on!"

After the first two rounds of intense competition, they have gained an understanding of each other's tactics, form, and strength.

The third game was full of tension from the very beginning.

Both sides are well aware that this round is extremely important.

Whoever wins will gain the psychological advantage.

Therefore, both Xie Mingyang and Shinozuka Daito used all their skills.

The intensity of the competition suddenly increased.

Every point became extremely difficult.

Xie Mingyang's playing style is both steady and aggressive.

But as long as he seizes the opportunity, he can hit the ball with great force and power, often breaking through Shinozuka Hiroto's defense.

Shinozuka Hiroto's offensive and defensive transitions were equally dazzling.

He ran all over the field, making incredible saves, which drew cheers from the crowd on multiple occasions.

However, in the back-and-forth struggle, which resulted in a stalemate, Xie Mingyang was at a disadvantage.

The score remained close, fluctuating like a sawtooth pattern.

1: 1.

2: 2.

3: 3.

4: 4.

……

The two fought fiercely, evenly matched, and neither could widen the gap.

In the end, Shinozuka Hiroto won the third game 14-12 with a serve-and-attack and a lucky edge shot.

The moment the ball grazed the edge of the court.

Xie Mingyang almost reflexively pointed, indicating that it was close to the edge.

Then, he put down his racket.

He truly gave it his all for that point.

But the opponent's tenacity and a bit of luck tipped the scales of victory in the final moments.

"Sorry."

Shinozuka Daito also raised his hand.

Losing such a crucial game is a huge test of a player's mental strength.

Especially when you perform well but then lose luck, it's easier for your mindset to fluctuate.

However, when Xie Mingyang walked to the sidelines, although his expression was serious, there was not a trace of frustration.

He wiped his sweat with a towel, his eyes lowered, seemingly reviewing the details of the match he had just played.

"1:2, it's okay."

Li Qian comforted him, saying, "If we play at our own pace, we'll have plenty of opportunities."

"Shinozuka Hiroto's playing style is very taxing."

"As long as we stay calm, we can win."

Xie Mingyang nodded heavily.

There was no frustration in his eyes.

Yes, there was only the raging flames of war.

At this moment, he was already immersed in the competition and had completely lost the nervousness he felt when he first stepped onto the field.

My mindset has become increasingly calm and composed.

soon.

The fourth game begins.

Xie Mingyang was not affected at all by the narrow defeat in the third game.

A powerful and decisive strike.

Tactical execution remains resolute.

Furthermore, it enhanced the variation in routes and the quality of defensive counter-attacks.

After winning the third game, Shinozuka Hiroto's momentum surged.

He wanted to use his best forehand and backhand fast attack to suppress Xie Mingyang from the start.

However, such a state of extreme excitement is difficult to maintain for long.

In addition, the energy expenditure in the third game was indeed enormous.

The hit percentage began to fluctuate.

Several crucial shots that seemed destined for victory were marred by fatal mistakes.

With the tides turning and the tides rising, Xie Mingyang seized the opportunity with his keen insight into the game.

With a more stable ability to hold his ground, he continuously mobilized Shinozuka Daito.

With Shinozuka Hiroto exhausted from running, the quality of his returns was naturally questionable.

The score quickly widened.

Xie Mingyang played with great ease, whether it was serving and attacking or changing direction during rallies.

Shinozuka Hiroto attempted to disrupt Xie Mingyang's rhythm by pausing.

Unfortunately, the results were minimal.

11:6.
Xie Mingyang easily won the fourth game.

The score is tied at 2-2.
The score was tied again. The match was dragged into a brutal five-set battle.

During the brief break between sets, the air seemed to freeze.

Both Xie Mingyang and Shinozuka Daito were well aware that every game and every point from now on was crucial, and there was no turning back.

Fifth game.

Shinozuka Hiroto started the "explosive" playstyle that the Japanese team has always used.

Every shot is taken with all your might.

It was as if they wished they could burn away all the blood in their bodies.

This approach is extremely risky.

But once it gets into a rhythm, its power is extremely terrifying.

Xie Mingyang was prepared for this and tenaciously withstood the opponent's initial onslaught.

Relying on high-quality defense and equally impressive offense, they engaged in a fierce battle across the entire table.

The score went back and forth, once again plunging the game into a suffocatingly tense state.

5: 5.

6:6.
7: 7.

8: 8.

……

Each round was like a miniature war without gunpowder, consuming a huge amount of physical strength and energy from both sides.

Soon, the score was tied at 10-10 again.

Hiroto Shinozuka serves.

The forehand is short.

Side-up.

Xie Mingyang stepped forward and twisted the handle.

Shinozuka Oden's backhand was quick to tear.

Xie Mingyang counter-loops with his forehand.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

A white light streaked back and forth across the table tennis table.

Forehand rallies, backhand tug-of-wars.

His movements were wide and sweeping, and the ball moved as fast as lightning.

But in the blink of an eye.

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

Suddenly, Shinozuka Hiroto twisted his waist. He pulled back with his forehand and forcefully changed the direction of the ball.

Xie Mingyang couldn't save the ball in time.

10: 11.

Shinozuka Hiroto took the lead and reached game point.

"Boiled!"

Seiya Kishikawa leaped forward, clenched his fist, and roared furiously.

The scales of victory have already tipped.

That's when.

Li Qian suddenly stood up, made a gesture, and decisively called for a pause.

This pause just interrupted the momentum that Shinozuka Daito had just begun to build.

More importantly, it bought Xie Mingyang time to adjust, clarify his thinking, and redeploy his resources.

The timeout is over, back on the court.

The air was thick with tension, as if you could wring water out of it.

Xie Mingyang stood at the serve position and took a deep breath.

Toss the ball and prepare to swing.

A long, fast ball hurtled towards Shinozuka Hiroto's backhand baseline.

However, Shinozuka Hiroto was prepared.

Seemingly anticipating Xie Mingyang's long ball attack, without any hesitation, he slid to the side, creating space, and suddenly unleashed all his power.

"Snapped!"

A powerful forehand smash down the line.

This shot was fast and powerful, like a bolt of lightning, hurtling towards Xie Mingyang's backhand.

Facing this powerful attack, Xie Mingyang had already moved in advance, positioned himself, and secured the landing point.

Facing the incoming ball, use your center of gravity to press down on the arc, and then flick it diagonally with your backhand.

"Snapped!"

Use your strength to fight.

The ping-pong ball suddenly transformed into a ferocious beast, baring its fangs and claws, and lunged straight at Shinozuka Hiroto's forehand corner.

At this moment, Shinozuka Daito sprinted sideways, shifting his center of gravity completely to the left side of the table.

There wasn't even time for him to lunge for a forehand.

All I could do was stare wide-eyed as the small white ball crashed down from a place I couldn't reach.

11: 11.

"nice shot!"

Zhang Jiahao, who had been clenching his fists, suddenly released them, but the tension on his face did not subside. "If the score is tied, there is still a chance."

This game is crucial for Xie Mingyang.

If they lose, the pressure in the next game will be unimaginable.

"We absolutely cannot let our lives be blessed with bad luck again!"

Zhang Jiahao muttered something under his breath, as if reciting some ancient incantation, "We absolutely cannot let Xiao Rizi have any more luck..."

In contrast, Chen Jin remained calm as always, his gaze serenely fixed on Xie Mingyang on the field.

Switch sides and serve.

Shinozuka Daito originally wanted to steal the length.

However, a quick glance at Xie Mingyang's position immediately dispelled that idea.

There is no doubt that Xie Mingyang is prepared for long shots.

In crucial moments, if a bluff fails, the impact on one's mentality is far from insignificant.

"It's better to play it safe."

Thinking of this, Shinotsuka Daito had a sudden idea and sent out a short, straight-handed stunt.

Xie Mingyang stepped forward, controlled the racket angle, and flicked his wrist to chop, aiming straight for Shinozuka Hiroto's backhand baseline.

This slash was long, fast, and powerful.

Shinozuka Hiroto stepped back with his right leg to create space for the shot, then powered with his backhand and drove forward diagonally.

Xie Mingyang lunged forward, parrying with a forehand counter-attack to the opposite corner.

Shinozuka Daito moved swiftly, turned sideways again, and forcefully charged towards the center.

Xie Mingyang was hit by the incoming ball, and his body position was slightly uncomfortable.

At the critical moment, a flash of inspiration struck me.

Turn your wrist outward and make a backhand side slice.

"laugh!"

The spin and rhythm of the return ball are instantly reversed.

The ping-pong ball has a strong sidespin, a low and unpredictable arc, and drops rapidly after clearing the net.

This change was completely unexpected by Shinozuka Hiroto.

He had just finished turning and exerting force, and his body was still in the process of returning to its original position.

There was a moment of hesitation when judging the incoming ball.

The feet returned to their original position, slightly slower than expected.

But Shinozuka Hiroto did not give up easily and rushed to his forehand side to save the ball again.

Unfortunately, under these extreme conditions, he could no longer stand steadily.

The hitting point was too low, and I could only barely lift the ball up.

The trajectory was slightly off, and the return shot hit the net.

12: 11.

Xie Mingyang took the lead and reached game point again.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

Li Qian roared angrily from the sidelines.

While cheering on Xie Mingyang, they were also releasing their own tension and pressure.

"Another high score!"

Li Qian took a deep breath and covered his chest with his hand. "I hope I can win this one easily, otherwise I might need some nitroglycerin."

It was Xie Mingyang's turn to serve.

Victory was within reach; his heart pounded like a drum, yet his eyes remained exceptionally resolute.

On the other hand, Shinozuka Hiroto was covered in sweat, clearly under considerable pressure.

"Shinozuka-kun!"

Kishikawa Seiya clapped his hands loudly and shouted, "Just got it!"

His breathing was heavy yet long.

A moment feels like a thousand years.

Xie Mingyang twirled the ping-pong ball between his fingertips, pondered for a moment, and then bent down.

With eyes like a hawk, Shinozuka Daito kept a close eye on Xie Mingyang's every move, his mind racing: "Is he going to steal my backhand long ball again?"

"Keep an eye on them!"

Unexpectedly, Xie Mingyang did not risk stealing the growth.

Instead, they served a short, sideways serve.

But the landing point is tricky.

The forehand small triangle shot flies towards Shinozuka Hiroto.

Shinozuka Daito quickly stepped forward, his left foot landing on the ground and his left arm sinking down.

As the ball descends to its final stages, flick your wrist and rub it hard.

"laugh!"

High-hanging arc ring.

The ball has a slow speed and a high trajectory, but extremely strong spin.

Xie Mingyang seemed to have anticipated this, accurately predicting the landing point of the return ball, lowering his center of gravity, and seizing the opportunity to jump.

"Snapped!"

The forearm and wrist suddenly generate a burst of power.

A backhand explosive shot.

The ping-pong ball slammed down on the right side of Shinozuka Daito's table like a meteorite.

The force and speed were so great that Shinotsuka Daito had no chance to react.

"昘——"

Before Shinozuka Hiroto could regain his balance, the ball had already bounced away.

13: 11.

Xie Mingyang won.

Finally, they won the incredibly difficult fifth game, which felt like hell.

The score is 3-2.

The match point is in hand.

(End of this chapter)