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

Chapter 447 No matter who the opponent is, just smash them with one blow!
11: 6.

11: 4.

11:1.
The score is 3-0.

In just twenty minutes, Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao defeated their opponents and advanced to the men's doubles round of 32.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

Zhang Jiahao jumped high, clenching his fist and roaring.

It seemed as if the championship was already in their grasp.

In contrast, Chen Jin remained remarkably calm.

He breathed softly on the racket in his hand and wiped it clean.

His expression held a hint of piety, as if a swordsman had blown the blood off the tip of his sword after killing someone.

As an off-court coach, Wang Hao did nothing but stand up and applaud and cheer when the two scored.

If it weren't for the regulations, he would be so bored that he would love to take out his phone and scroll through short videos for a while.

In the first game, Zhang Jiahao was clearly a bit nervous, his touch was slow to come, and he even fell behind his opponent at the start.

Fortunately, Chen Jin was there to cover the losses.

Just the control of the ball inside the table and the aggressive attacks in the first three shots are enough to give the opponent a hard time.

Moreover, as the match progressed, Zhang Jiahao's form improved in the second half.

The two worked together with increasing synergy.

They went on a 6-0 scoring run.

In the second game, things got better.

In the third game, they won by a crushing defeat.

Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao have completely different playing styles.

One was violent, the other was a grueling struggle.

Just like the Quanzhen Swordplay and the Jade Maiden Swordplay in martial arts novels, each has its own strengths.

But when they are put together, they complement each other perfectly, creating a seamless whole.

Moreover, compared to the Singapore Grand Slam, their positioning and support skills have become even more refined.

Although they haven't played together many times, they're already showing promise.

Wang Hao was overjoyed: "Ma Long and Xu Xin have done a good job training him."

During the closed training period, the former world number one men's doubles pair, the Dragon and Python duo, personally took to the court to guide and coach Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao.

Develop corresponding tactical routines based on the playing styles of the two players.

He shared all his experience and details about doubles without reservation.

They even practiced extra every day, simulating matches.

Although Ma Long and Xu Xin are no longer at their peak.

Xu Xin, in particular, is not as good as he used to be; his movements are not what they used to be.

However, when the two reunited, holding rackets and standing opposite each other on the table, the tacit understanding that seemed to be etched into their very bones, their extraordinary understanding of doubles lines and spins, and their incredibly rich match experience were something that no ordinary combination could match.

At first, even Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao had some difficulty dealing with it.

However, as training progressed, Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao's impact, understanding of doubles coordination, and teamwork improved to a new level.

In their next battle against the dragon-python duo, they have won more often than they have lost.

Wang Hao saw all of this and was secretly delighted.

Even so, the victories on the training field, like you in a game, could never completely dispel Wang Hao's concerns.

The pressure is completely different on the real competition field.

The opponents are unfamiliar, the venue is unfamiliar, and the mentality, the audience, the lighting, and even the air can all have an immeasurable impact on the athletes.

Moreover, this is the World Table Tennis Championships.

Although both Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao were making their World Table Tennis Championships debut, Chen Jin was fine, and Wang Hao was especially confident in him.

The only thing I'm worried about is Zhang Jiahao.

As it turned out, his concerns were not unfounded.

If it weren't for Chen Jin's intervention, this match might not have been won so easily.

"If they can maintain this momentum, perhaps... they have a chance to win the championship."

Wang Hao secretly dreamed about it.

Of course, the opponent in the first doubles match wasn't particularly strong.

The real test is yet to come.

With Chen Jin's explosive side-step drive down the straight line, the ball, like a cannonball, tore through the air with a whoosh and flew past in an unexpected trajectory.

Milos hadn't even reacted yet, and instinctively reached out with his bare hands, only to grab nothing.

Turn around and look.

The scoreboard now reads 11:1.

The red light was striking, especially dazzling.

"It's all a lie..."

Milos stood there, looking defeated and frustrated, a bitter smile playing on his lips.

In my mind, the fear of being dominated by Chen Jin during the World Cup came back again.

It was originally thought that Chen Jin only possessed terrifying strength in singles matches, enough to destroy anyone's confidence.

To his utter surprise, today's doubles match brought him a new kind of despair.

"Chen Jin is great in singles, but even better in doubles!"

Milos turned to his teammates, "Samuel, you..."

The words were not finished.

Samuel was pale, his eyes filled with disbelief, as if he had seen a ghost.

"Satan...Satan..."

Samuel seemed utterly lost, his eyes vacant, muttering to himself, "Chen Jin is Satan descended from hell to earth!"

See this.

Milos sighed, "Damn it, another one's gone mad..."

Back on the sidelines, I packed up my things.

While reviewing the match with Wang Hao, he slung his backpack over his shoulder and left the arena.

Mixed mining area.

Several reporters had been waiting for a long time.

Upon seeing Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao, they immediately swarmed around them, completely surrounding them.

Congratulations to you both on advancing to the men's doubles round of 32. How does it feel to play in the World Table Tennis Championships for the first time?

A reporter handed a microphone to the two of them.

Chen Jin glanced at Zhang Jiahao.

Zhang Jiahao understood, took a half step forward, leaned closer to the microphone, and said in a serious tone, "I have exited the cabin and feel good."

This immediately drew laughter from those around them.

"What about your doubles partnership with Chen Jin? What's your self-evaluation?"

The reporter asked further.

"In a word, absolutely perfect."

Zhang Jiahao laughed and said, "Although Jin Ge and I have different fighting styles, he is the violent and unrestrained type, while I am the gentle and prudent type, as long as the two of us join forces, we are invincible and anyone who comes will have to suffer a lot."

"What are your expectations for this men's doubles competition?"

Another reporter said.

"Jin and I came to Doha this time to do only three things."

Zhang Jiahao solemnly declared, "Champion, champion, and champion again!"

Afterwards, Chen Jin answered two or three questions briefly before ending the interview.

"That's not a small tone."

Walking down the street, Chen Jin glanced at Zhang Jiahao and sneered, "You've only won the first game, yet you dare to boast so arrogantly in front of the reporters."

"What if you lose? Let's see how you handle that?"

Zhang Jiahao put his arm around Chen Jin's shoulder and grinned, "Isn't that what we have here for us, Brother Jin?"

"roll!"

Chen Jin brushed his hand away.

"Godfather, you can't abandon your child!"

Zhang Jiahao said, "Even if you don't consider the fact that I lent you a porn movie to satisfy your cravings, you should at least think about the years we've shared a bed and supported each other..."

"You old gay man!"

Chen Jin was speechless. "Stay away from me."

While talking.

The two had already left the secondary stadium.

At the entrance, a shuttle bus leading to the main stadium was parked. The air conditioning inside the bus was strong, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside.

Wang Hao is already in the car.

In addition, there are several other externally affiliated athletes.

Chen Jin sat by the window, looking at the scenery outside, his fingers unconsciously tapping a rhythm on his knees.

It was as if the doubles victory just now was merely a warm-up.

The real battle has not yet begun.

"Holy crap."

Zhang Jiahao suddenly whispered, "Isn't this a car arranged by the organizers? How did it turn into a public bus? And someone is openly kissing on the bus?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin looked up.

Even before boarding the bus, he noticed that besides them and the foreign players, there were several fans holding support items, as well as a foreign couple chatting and laughing as if no one else was around.

After all, all the participants have jerseys.

Therefore, they are easy to distinguish.

"This is the World Table Tennis Championships! How can the arrangements be so terrible!"

Zhang Jiahao complained, "What a waste of such a luxurious city; it turns out to be just a makeshift operation."

Fortunately, nothing unexpected happened along the way.

The shuttle bus smoothly entered the main stadium.

The three got out of the car and went straight to the physiotherapy room of the Chinese national table tennis team without stopping.

The schedule is tight, and we must make the most of every second.

The physical therapist was already prepared.

Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao lay side by side on the physiotherapy bed, letting the physiotherapist do as he pleased.

"Ah~"

Zhang Jiahao looked thoroughly enjoying himself and couldn't help but exclaim, "That's awesome!"

With professional massage techniques, the muscles that were slightly tense after strenuous exercise immediately relaxed a lot.

When competing in other places, you don't usually get to enjoy such treatment.

Such treatment is comparable to that of a key player.

Turning her head, she looked at Chen Jin, who was lying on the bed next to her with his eyes closed as if he were already asleep.

"King, what time was your match against Pitchford in the afternoon?"

Zhang Jiahao asked.

"5:10".

Chen Jin didn't open his eyes, but answered.

"Pitchford is nothing, you can easily take him down, Kim."

Zhang Jiahao was full of confidence.

"Strategically, we can despise our opponents, but tactically, we must take them seriously."

Chen Jin said, "Although Pitchford is over thirty years old, his competitive strength is not as good as before, and his world ranking has dropped to around 50th."

"However, their foundation remains, and they should not be underestimated."

Given Chen Jin's personality, no matter what kind of opponent he faces, he will go all out and never slack off.

This is about being responsible for yourself, and also about respecting your opponent.

"clear."

Zhang Jiahao nodded. "I've watched a few of Pitchford's matches before. His backhand is incredibly fast, like lightning."

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded, "Moreover, he is very flexible and adept at maneuvering the landing point."

Given his usual practice, since he already knew half a month in advance that his first-round opponent would be Pitchford, how could he not have studied it carefully?

"It seems you're quite confident, Chen Jin."

Zhang Jiahao chuckled, "Even if Pitchford is fast, can he be faster than you, Brother Jin?"

"Brother Jin, you're not only faster, but also more precise."

Chen Jin: "???"

She suddenly opened her eyes and stared at Zhang Jiahao.

A cold glint seemed to emanate from the depths of his dark eyes, filled with murderous intent.

"Brother Jin, don't misunderstand."

Zhang Jiahao felt a chill run down his spine, as if he had been electrocuted, and quickly added, "I was talking about ball speed and technique."

"hehe."

Chen Jin snorted coldly and closed his eyes again.

Twenty minutes later.

The physical therapy session is over.

The two stood up, stretched their arms and legs, and felt much more relaxed, greatly relieving the fatigue after the game.

"Cool!"

Zhang Jiahao stretched and yawned, "It feels even better than a massage."

Followed by.

We didn't linger any longer.

Heading to the training hall for pre-match warm-ups.

Inside the training hall, Wang Hao and Xie Mingyang had been waiting for a long time.

Forehand smash, backhand tear.

Serve and attack aggressively, receive and control the serve.

Wang Hao stood beside Chen Jin, arms crossed, carefully observing his training.

His footwork and ball-handling skills were consistently above average.

"In this condition, dealing with Pitchford shouldn't be a problem."

Wang Hao pondered to himself.

This match against Pitchford was Chen Jin's World Table Tennis Championships debut.

This was also their first encounter.

Although Chen Jin has never lost a match along the way, what if he loses at the World Table Tennis Championships and falls in the round of 128?

It's hard to imagine how terrifying the backlash from public opinion will be.

Even Wang Hao felt an invisible yet ever-present immense pressure.

After Chen Jin finished his first round of training.

Wang Hao stepped forward, his expression serious, his tone calm and clear, and said to Chen Jin, "Pitchford's playing style is quite different from that of most European players."

“Most European skaters use mid-court counter-pulls with wide, open movements, but Pitchford is different; he focuses on mid-to-close-court swing speed.”

"Especially the backhand continuous stroke, the key word is 'speed'."

"The movements are small and compact, but the instantaneous power is excellent, especially the use of the wrist, which is very flexible. Therefore, the change of direction is sudden and concealed, often catching the opponent off guard."

Chen Jin listened quietly while wiping his sweat and drinking water, without interrupting.

"Pitchford's core technique is built on his backhand."

Wang Hao continued, "The quality of the backhand twist, tear, and flick is very high, and the stability and continuity are also good."

"But his stance is relatively flat, and he often hits left when it comes from the left and right when it comes from the right, so he doesn't use his forehand very often."

"what does that mean?"

Wang Hao paused, then looked at Chen Jin.

"This means he relies more on his backhand system, and his forehand position is relatively weak in terms of open space and defense."

Chen Jin's answer was swift and almost spontaneous: "Especially when he needs to use his strength to fight from the side, he may lack the absolute ability and determination to deliver a fatal blow."

"Not bad!"

Wang Hao smiled approvingly, "When masters clash, sometimes the outcome is decided in just one or two moves."

"If you don't have enough fighting spirit and sharpness to finish the match in one move, the opportunity will be fleeting, which is equivalent to handing over the rhythm of the match to your opponent."

"Of course, Pitchford's playing style is not all flaws and weaknesses; he also has his strengths."

"Moreover, in such a long period of time, he may have done careful research on your playing style and made ample preparations, so don't be careless."

"But don't worry too much. As long as we stay calm, reduce unnecessary mistakes, and play the ball more solidly and tightly, no matter how strong he is, we can still beat him until he cries for his parents."

After listening to Wang Hao's last two sentences.

Zhang Jiahao, standing to the side, made a rapper's hand gesture and laughed, "skr, skr, our national table tennis team has hip-hop, making our opponents scream..."

Chen Jin couldn't help but smile.

Before this, he had watched a lot of Pitchford's game footage.

As Wang Hao said, it has obvious technical features, but there are also exploitable aspects.

Most importantly, Chen Jin has absolute confidence in himself.

"No matter who the opponent is, just smash them with one powerful shot!"

(End of this chapter)