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

Chapter 452 This moment is just like that moment.

After listening to Chen Jin's words.

Wang Hao shook his head.

He was focused on the competition and had no idea how well Wang Liqin and the others were communicating with the ITTF.

But thinking back to what happened to me fourteen years ago, my head coach at the time was Coach Wu.

After the incident, Coach Wu went around trying to get justice for his student's unfair treatment.

That anxious and helpless scene is still vividly imprinted in Wang Hao's memory.

What was the final result?
It was just a perfunctory statement that said, "Although the method was flawed, it complied with the testing procedures," and that was the end of it.

All the anger and grievances were buried by the sands of time.

Many years later, the scene is recreated.

Perhaps, this time, Chen Jin's fate will be the same as his own, ultimately disappearing without a trace.

Nothing will change except that the person involved will have a scar on their heart.

Thinking of this, Wang Hao felt an indescribable sense of frustration and powerlessness welling up inside him.

Fortunately, it was only the first round of the competition.

Chen Jin won without any major incident.

If it had happened during the finals, as I did back then, under pressure, things would probably have been even worse.

Taking a deep breath, Wang Hao forced down these chaotic thoughts and reached out to pat Chen Jin on the shoulder.

"Don't think so much."

Wang Hao said in a deep voice, "No matter what the final result is, it cannot affect the upcoming matches."

"The most important thing right now is to play each game well."

"I believe Chairman Wang can handle this well."

Seeing the complex emotions flashing across Wang Hao's eyes—anger, helplessness, and the wisdom gained from years of experience—Chen Jin instantly understood.

"clear."

Chen Jin nodded.

Now that things have come to this, as athletes, we must focus on the competition to avoid being further affected.

As for what happens next, we just need to leave it to the Table Tennis Association.

Fighting for the rights of its own players is the duty of the Table Tennis Association.

There was a pause.

Chen Jin suddenly remembered something and looked up: "During the interview later, the reporters will definitely keep asking me about this. How should I answer?"

This incident occurred on the field and was broadcast live, which is bound to arouse suspicion among fans and viewers.

With such a bombshell, how could a reporter with a keen sense of smell let it slip by easily?
It is foreseeable that at this time, the mixed mining area is already set up with cameras and microphones, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the new equipment.

Wang Hao pondered for a moment.

Based on his past experience, keeping the peace and considering the overall situation is usually his first choice.

"Make a mountain out of a molehill, gloss over it, and wait for the results."

Wang Hao sighed and patted Chen Jin's back a few more times, "I'm sorry you had to go through all this."

"fine."

Chen Jin smiled slightly, "It's normal to use a few tricks during a competition."

Having finished speaking.

Pack your personal equipment.

With backpacks slung over their shoulders, the two walked side by side, waving to each other as they left the arena and headed toward the athletes' private passage.

"remember."

Wang Hao reminded him again, "During the interview later, don't get too bogged down in the details, just talk more..."

The words were not finished.

Looking up, I saw a familiar tall figure at the end of the passage, standing with his arms crossed and back straight, as if he had been waiting for a long time.

"Chairman Wang?"

Chen Jin and Wang Hao exchanged a glance, somewhat surprised, and immediately hurried to meet him.

I greeted Wang Liqin.

Wang Liqin looked at Chen Jin with an approving smile: "You played beautifully in this match."

"With solid skills and a stable mindset, once we get past this hurdle, the rest of the competition will be much easier."

On such a prestigious stage as the World Table Tennis Championships, Chen Jin was able to quickly adjust and remain unaffected by some off-field setbacks, ultimately winning the match.

Previously, although Chen Jin had never lost a game, there was still a small group of people who doubted him, thinking that Chen Jin could only play when he was winning and would revert to his original form once he fell into a disadvantageous situation.

However, Chen Jin's victory in this match completely shattered the doubts.

He can not only win when he's ahead, but also turn the tide when he's behind.

At such a young age, he possesses a heart that even veterans admire, how could Wang Liqin not be extremely gratified?
The pressure to win gold at the Los Angeles Olympics is immense.

If we rely solely on players like Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, it will be difficult to sustain the team.

After all, their condition and strength are not very stable.

If the Paris Olympics were to be held again, who could replace Fan Zhendong as the pillar of the men's table tennis team?

It now seems that Chen Jin is definitely Wang Liqin's top choice.

"I hope so."

Chen Jin lowered his voice, "Chairman Wang, about my racket..."

"Coach Qin is still communicating with the ITTF."

Wang Liqin said.

A match ended, and more than half an hour has passed, yet this obvious issue remains unresolved, with ongoing communication and back-and-forth.

The situation appears to be far from optimistic.

Perhaps, just as Wang Hao guessed, it will all come to nothing.

"understood."

Chen Jin's face didn't reveal much of his expression.

I had expected this, and I had no hope for it.

Just as Wang Hao said, as a player, one should focus on the competition to avoid being affected.

"Like I said before, you focus on the game, and we'll handle the rest."

Wang Liqin reached out and gently patted Chen Jin's shoulder, "The interview later will definitely mention this..."

"I know."

Chen Jin said, "I will try to avoid answering. If I can't avoid it, I'll just gloss over it."

"Do not."

Wang Liqin shook his head. "Don't avoid it, and don't try to downplay it."

Upon hearing this, both Chen Jin and Wang Hao were taken aback.

Neither of them expected that Wang Liqin would issue such an instruction.

In accordance with the Table Tennis Association's consistent approach, most of the time, they try to avoid problems and minimize their impact to prevent unnecessary trouble.

But Wang Liqin was completely different from the norm.

"On the contrary, you should answer truthfully and not hide any details."

Wang Liqin continued, "You can even elaborate on your views and feelings, and the trouble this matter has caused you in the competition, based on the facts, and make them more detailed and serious."

"Remember, base it on facts."

Although he had doubts, Chen Jin did not ask any further questions.

He knew that Wang Liqin must have had his reasons for making this arrangement.

"understood."

Chen Jin nodded emphatically, "I know what to do."

After saying that, he slung his backpack over his shoulder, turned around, and walked alone towards the mixed mining area.

The interview was already arranged.

Long guns and short cannons, like a forest of swords and spears. A large group of reporters, heads thronging, eagerly awaited their arrival.

Watching Chen Jin's retreating figure, Wang Hao asked with some confusion, "Brother Li, is this really how we should handle this?"

Do you remember your experience at the 11 World Table Tennis Championships?

Wang Liqin's gaze deepened, and his tone became heavy.

"remember."

Wang Hao's heart sank suddenly.

That ancient and distant memory immediately surfaced in my mind, stirring up the most turbid silt in my heart.

It's not just something I remember, it's something I'll never forget!

"This moment, just like that moment."

A cold smile appeared on Wang Liqin's lips. "Exactly the same."

“We’ve been arguing with the ITTF people, and their attitude is exactly the same as it was 14 years ago – extremely arrogant.”

Wang Liqin's eyes were blazing with anger, almost bursting forth. "They admitted that they tore open the rubber during the test, but insisted that it was completely in accordance with regulations and a normal procedure. They refused to admit any mistakes, let alone apologize or offer any compensation."

“They even refused our suggestion to send someone to closely monitor the testing process.”

Hear the words.

Wang Hao's fist clenched unconsciously.

An uncontrollable anger surged into my heart.

"You damn dog!"

Wang Hao said in a deep voice, "More than ten years have passed, and they really haven't changed at all."

He had just finished speaking when he suddenly realized what he had said and turned to look at Wang Liqin.

"So that's why you made Chen Jin tell the truth during the interview?"

Wang Hao suddenly realized, "They actually wanted to use Chen Jin's words to pressure them through public opinion?"

"Yes."

Wang Liqin did not deny it, admitting that "since normal communication channels are not working, let's just make a big deal out of it and use the pressure of public opinion to fight for the fairness and rights that our athletes deserve."

"Otherwise, some people will always think that we are easy targets that can be manipulated at will."

"Also, Lao Liu should be arriving in Doha in a few days."

The "Old Liu" he mentioned was naturally Liu Guoliang.

"ITTF leadership transition election?"

Wang Haodao.

"Correct."

Wang Liqin nodded.

The ITTF's leadership election rally will be held in Doha on May 27.

As one of the candidates for the ITTF Executive Committee, Liu Guoliang will definitely arrive in Doha in advance.

According to Liu Guoliang's schedule, it is estimated to be the 25th.

"The ITTF has no people and no voice. Relying solely on our Table Tennis Association, we are always somewhat passive."

Wang Liqin's expression was grave. "We know their rules are flawed, but we can't change them..."

Currently, the only members of the Chinese national table tennis team holding positions in the ITTF are Liu Guoliang and Liu Shiwen.

Liu Shiwen's position as chairperson of the athletes' committee may seem prestigious, but she lacks real power to set the rules.

Although Liu Guoliang is the first vice chairman of the executive committee, the outcome is still uncertain as the election for the new term is imminent.

Moreover, the ITTF's top leadership has a complex structure.

There is a CEO and a chairman at the top, and Liu Guoliang is not the only vice chairman.

Liu Guoliang's influence and voice within the ITTF are far less than the outside world imagines.

However, one person is still needed at the ITTF leadership level to advocate for the Chinese national table tennis team.

To be fair, Liu Guoliang is the best candidate in terms of both seniority and influence.

"That……"

Wang Hao hesitated for a moment, "Is this matter of Chen Jinqiu really just going to be left unresolved like this?"

"We can only do our best to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

Wang Liqin sighed.

His tone and expression revealed a hint of helplessness.

"That's it?"

Wang Hao frowned deeply.

Seeing that Wang Liqin remained silent, Wang Hao frowned even more deeply.

"You damn dog!"

Despite his frustration, Wang Hao knew that things had come to this point, and no amount of cursing would change anything.

Fortunately, I was already aware of the ITTF's nature and was mentally prepared.

……

Mixed mining area.

As soon as Chen Jinfu appeared, before he could even put down his backpack, reporters who had been waiting for a long time swarmed around him and surrounded him.

Unsurprisingly, the issue that everyone was most concerned about was the violent testing of the rackets.

Facing the microphone camera, Chen Jin, following Wang Liqin's instructions, neither concealed nor downplayed the situation, nor exaggerated it, but spoke his mind frankly.

"I don't know why my racket was subjected to such violent testing, nor do I know if other players have experienced the same thing."

Chen Jin departed from his usual taciturn interview style, speaking with a solemn expression and eloquent speech: "I can guarantee with my entire career that my racket was in perfect condition before the testing."

"Once I got to the court, I suddenly discovered that the rubber on my racket had been torn off, rendering it unusable for the match. Although I got a spare racket, there's no doubt that this kind of violent testing affected my mindset during the game."

At this point, Chen Jin paused, glanced at the reporters present, and continued, "This is my first time participating in the World Table Tennis Championships."

"As we all know, the World Table Tennis Championships has a history of nearly 100 years. For all table tennis players in the world, including myself, the World Table Tennis Championships is one of the highest halls of table tennis competition. I originally had the highest respect and expectations for it."

"Unexpectedly, something that shouldn't have happened occurred in such a prestigious competition, which made me somewhat disappointed."

"We hope that the ITTF and the tournament committee can provide a clear, reasonable, and fair investigation result and explanation as soon as possible to prevent similar incidents from happening again."

The content of Chen Jin's interview was quickly transmitted back to China through live broadcasts and reports from various media outlets.

The issue immediately caused an uproar on major social media platforms.

The hashtag #ChenJin’s racket was subjected to violent testing# trended on the hot search list and went viral instantly.

The comments section was buzzing with excitement.

"If you say this wasn't intentional, who would believe you? It's clearly aimed at Chen Jin. It's despicable behavior. Be careful, you'll get your comeuppance."

"Who told Chen Jin to suddenly appear and block the path to the championship for some young princes? It would be strange if they didn't resort to dirty tricks."

"Fortunately, Chen Jin withstood the pressure and won the match. Otherwise, it would have been incredibly frustrating for a World Cup champion to fall in the top 128 of the World Table Tennis Championships."

"Such a heinous incident has occurred at the World Table Tennis Championships, a once-in-a-century event. This must be thoroughly investigated and cannot be allowed to pass!"

"Some malicious people are trying to harm Chen Jin, which is tantamount to ruining the future of Chinese table tennis! We must protect Chen Jin!"

"I just finished watching the match. Chen Jin's mentality was obviously affected in the first game, and he almost lost! Fortunately, Chen Jin's strength is too great, and true gold is not afraid of fire."

"So what if they deliberately destroyed my racket? So what if they replaced it with a spare racket? I still won 4-0. Some people should watch and learn from this."

"Go Chen Jin! We'll always support you!"

"As expected, the World Table Tennis Championships is a shoddy operation. They can't even guarantee fair treatment for the players? They make the most money from us every year, yet they're plotting against our players? @Wang Liqin @Liu Guoliang @Wang Hao, you guys need to stand up for yourselves and not let your players suffer!"

……

Public opinion was in uproar, and everyone voiced their support.

After all, at the Macau World Cup not long ago, Wang Chuqin and Lin Shidong, the highly anticipated mainstays of the men's table tennis team, lost their half of the draw and were defeated by Hugo Calderano.

In the finals, facing provocative remarks from Brazilian media before the match, Chen Jin withstood the pressure on his home turf, defeated a strong opponent, defended the glory of the Chinese national table tennis team, and became a hero who turned the tide for the team, carrying the future hope of the national table tennis team.

At this very moment, Chen Jin is suffering such treatment at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships.

Immediately, all sorts of conspiracy theories spread like wildfire.

Fans from all walks of life have also started to defend their own.

(End of this chapter)