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

Chapter 456 Xie Mingyang VS Hugo, a reversal?!
"Stay calm, don't panic."

Li Qian stood up, shouted loudly and firmly, "Take it slow, catch up point by point."

Believe in yourself, you can do it!

Just minutes before, he was still dreaming that Xie Mingyang could defeat Hugo.

Unexpectedly, the situation took a sharp turn for the worse.

Hugo, however, rallied and scored seven consecutive points, widening the gap between the two players to five points.

Trailing by such a large margin in the deciding set, and facing Hugo, this was undoubtedly a heavy blow for the young player.

Although Li Qian knew in his heart that there was no hope of turning the tide, he still encouraged Xie Mingyang.

In fact, Xie Mingyang never intended to give up, even without Li Qian's encouragement.

"You acted too hastily; slow down."

Xie Mingyang kept reminding himself, "The more critical the moment, the more calm you must remain."

"Having fought this far, we must not only be fierce, but also steady; fierce yet steady, steady yet fierce."

"The game isn't over until the ball hits the ground; anything is possible."

Take a deep breath.

Xie Mingyang twirled the small white ball between his fingertips and gently blew on it.

He stepped back to serve.

He glanced at her, his eyes as calm as a dark abyss, showing no sign of turmoil or panic.

Toss the ball and prepare to swing.

Everything seemed ordinary, but hidden danger lurked beneath the surface.

"Break!"

The moment the ball is touched.

With a flick of the wrist, a burst of power is unleashed.

The ping-pong ball instantly transformed into a ferocious giant python, its gaping maw agape, lunging towards Hugo's backhand baseline.

It's obvious that Xie Mingyang wanted to gain an advantage by stealing the lead.

however.

Despite holding a significant advantage, Hugo did not let his guard down.

It seems they had anticipated Xie Mingyang's shot.

He flashed and slid to the side.

Just as the ball was beginning to descend, I swung my right arm and sprinted out.

"Snapped!"

The ball, like a cannonball, bombards the diagonal line.

Xie Mingyang's expression changed slightly, and he blocked with his backhand, trying to close the distance.

But, it's too late.

A white light flashed past me.

3: 8.

The pressure, like a mountain, kept rising in Xie Mingyang's heart.

The pace of the game was completely controlled by the opponent.

It seemed that his every move and every intention was seen through by his opponent.

"Slow down, don't rush..."

Xie Mingyang remained expressionless, raising his elbow to wipe away sweat.

Second serve.

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Hugo took a short step.

Faced with the pressure of a huge point difference, Xie Mingyang did not make any rash moves and cautiously returned the ball back.

Internal strife within Taiwan is short-lived.

Like two swordsmen, neither dared to be reckless in this test, exchanging blows and waiting for the other to make a mistake.

In just a few seconds, the two had already fought five or six rounds, with neither able to gain the upper hand.

The short arrangement inside the stage seems ordinary.

But in reality, it requires an extremely high level of hand control.

Especially in a duel between masters, even the slightest mistake can lead to defeat.

Arcs, landing points, spins... every clash conceals deadly intent.

Seeing that the stalemate was not over, Xie Mingyang originally wanted to use a long shot to break the deadlock and create an opportunity.

But he was also worried that Hugo would make the first move and he would be put on the defensive.

It was this moment of hesitation.

There was a slight deviation in my control.

He swung back halfway out of the stage.

It's important to know that the ideal move is to avoid going off the table twice during a short play.

Once it is introduced, it gives the opponent the opportunity to take the initiative and launch an attack.

"Oops!"

Xie Mingyang had a bad feeling.

Taking a half-step back, they were already prepared for defense.

As expected, Hugo astutely seized the opportunity presented by Xie Mingyang's perceived shortcomings.

Even if it was just a slight semi-exhibition, it was enough for him.

Hugo's center of gravity sank instantly.

Hold the racket with your right arm, lowered and pulled back.

As the ping-pong ball falls, use your fingers and wrist to grip the paddle, apply intense friction, and then spin it high.

"laugh!"

This ball has an incredibly strong spin.

Flying in mid-air, it resembled a small storm, stirring up air currents and shattering the void.

Moreover, the curve is low and flat.

It flew almost touching the net, heading towards Xie Mingyang's middle.

See this.

Xie Mingyang's pupils suddenly contracted.

Knowing that this ball may seem slow and harmless, it is actually lurking with deadly intent.

How could Xie Mingyang dare to be careless?
The white ball bounced up the moment it landed on the table.

Xie Mingyang judged the incoming ball and waited until the ball was in the middle to late stages of its descent before making his shot.

The arm cuts downwards, trying to deflect the force and slice back.

Unexpectedly, the arc-shaped trajectory seemed to be pulled downwards by an invisible hand, causing it to plummet rapidly.

Xie Mingyang failed to match the point.

9: 3.

The gap widened again.

Xie Mingyang had already stepped one foot off the edge of the cliff.

The slightest mistake could lead to an abyss, shattering one's life into pieces.

"Gone."

Li Qian's face turned deathly pale.

A sense of despair rose in my heart.

It was thought that Xie Mingyang would be able to defeat Hugo and become famous overnight.

However, in the decisive set, experience and mentality are far more important than skill.

Compared to Hugo, Xie Mingyang was ultimately too young.

Even if they take the lead at the start, they can't maintain it.

Even so, Li Qian continued to encourage Xie Mingyang: "Stay calm!"

"Don't panic!"

"still have a chance!"

Xie Mingyang's face remained expressionless, his gaze still calm.

As he walked toward the referee's table, he picked up a towel, wiped away his sweat, and pondered a way to break the deadlock.

"Give it a try!"

Xie Mingyang's eyes narrowed slightly, a sharp glint flashing within them. "Even if I die, I'll die standing!"

Hugo serves.

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Xie Mingyang quickly stepped forward, raised his elbows and lowered his shoulders, twisting and pulling in a straight line.

Hugo quickly ripped the middle lane with a backhand.

Xie Mingyang turned to the side and used his forehand to pull back on the left side of the table.

Hugo seized the landing point, swung his hand back, and unleashed a powerful smash.

"Snapped!"

The force was so great that it seemed to deform even the ball.

Hsieh Ming-yang held firm in the mid-to-close range, refusing to yield an inch, shifting his weight forward without flinching, and counter-attacking the ball.

"Snapped!"

There was another bang.

Xie Mingyang felt a powerful force surge in, penetrating the bottom plate and reaching the core of the plate.

There was no way to leverage their strength.

puff!
The ball went into the net.

10: 3.

Trailing 0-3, Hugo surged ahead, winning ten consecutive points to take the lead in the match.

more importantly.

They have a total of seven match points!

"It's over, it's completely hopeless."

A hint of despair flashed across Zhang Jiahao's eyes. He shrugged slightly and sighed, "With such a huge point difference, even a god couldn't save us."

"Unless you, Brother Jin, step up, no one can turn the tide."

"If that guy surnamed Xie can flip it over, I'll eat all the pool tables here."

Admittedly, they were down by seven match points and facing a top player like Hugo.

Turning the tide is as difficult as climbing to the sky.

"As long as the ball hasn't hit the ground, there's still a chance."

Chen Jin remained calm.

Moreover, Xie Mingyang's performance was already quite remarkable, given that he was able to battle Hugo to the final set.

At such a young age, the future is bright.

With seven match points in hand, Hugo's mentality was no longer as stable as before.

A long ball, a surprise backhand attack.

They wanted to end the game in one fell swoop.

However, he underestimated Xie Mingyang in his desperate situation.

Despite being on the verge of elimination, Xie Mingyang showed no signs of panic or discouragement, and instead became even more composed.

Completely focused, he seemed to have anticipated Hugo's serve as a long one.

Just as Hugo served.

Xie Mingyang pushed off with his foot and slid to the side.

The right arm draws back to the starting position, while the waist and abdomen gather power.

Facing the oncoming ping-pong ball, the power within his body suddenly bursts forth without reservation in an instant.

The racket in his hand was like a giant axe, embodying all his will, as he unleashed a powerful burst of energy.

This move was made with a death wish!

With unparalleled killing intent, it's either you die or I die!
"Snapped!"

Thunder shook the heavens.

The small ping-pong ball, carrying indescribable power and speed, was like an ancient dragon from the void, tearing apart the sky and shrouded in a rolling might that suppressed all heavens, roaring silently as it charged toward Hugo.

Hugo felt a chill run down his spine.

With a swift movement, he shifted his weight forward.

He blocked with a backhand and then tried to close in on the defense.

next second.

"boom!"

The ping-pong ball slammed hard against the racket.

A terrifying force, like a rampaging bull, surged forth.

Hugo felt a violent tremor in his hand, and he pressed his thumb down on the racket as if it were about to break.

Even so, he ultimately failed to defend against it.

4: 10.

Xie Mingyang saved a match point.

"What a vicious ball!"

Hugo flexed his wrist, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

Throughout the world of table tennis, he was already a renowned master.

It can go toe-to-toe with Aruna without being at a disadvantage.

But unexpectedly, a fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy, in a desperate struggle, possessed such terrifying power.

"His shot had a bit of Chen Jin's style."

Hugo's pupils contracted sharply.

However, such a sudden burst of speed was already a powerful move for Xie Mingyang.

For Chen Jin, it was just a slightly heavy basic attack.

"nice shot!"

Zhang Jiahao slapped his thigh and exclaimed, "Wouldn't it have been better if we had fought like this earlier?"

"It's pointless to drag it out until now."

He said this, but his eyes remained fixed on his phone, never leaving it. This one point was undoubtedly a shot in the arm for his confidence.

"Boiled!"

Xie Mingyang clenched his fist.

In his eyes, a fierce flame burned, growing ever more intense.

"Slow down, don't rush."

Xie Mingyang took a deep breath.

Forehand serve.

Right half of the platform.

Backspin.

Perhaps because Xie Mingyang brute-forced his way through the previous match point, Hugo's mentality wavered slightly.

The steps were a little slow, and the grip was a little tight.

The ball was lobbed and spun into the net.

5: 10.

Xie Mingyang scored another point.

"Choo-hoo!"

Li Qian clenched his fist and roared, "Braise—"

Although it was just a serve that scored, it didn't have the same morale-boosting effect as a quick attack, nor the intensity of a close, winning match.

However, every point is precious in saving the match point.

After all, a slight misstep could ruin the game.

Every ball was played with extreme caution.

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

When it comes to crucial moments, I always think for a long time before serving.

Xie Mingyang let out a long breath.

Bending over and leaning forward, tossing the ball and preparing the racket.

The middle path is short.

Do not forward.

Hugo took a short step.

Xie Mingyang swings the ball back.

However, with the plate slightly tilted to one side and a slight flick of the wrist, a subtle, hidden side stab from the machine was revealed.

Hugo stared intently at the ball, his pupils shrinking: "Half-out!"

He lunged forward, attempting a forehand smash.

However, just as he was about to take a swing, he suddenly realized that the trajectory of the incoming ball was half an inch shorter than he had expected.

The key point is that it also has a side turn.

The second attempt will not result in an official appearance.

Hugo misjudged the situation and his swing missed completely.

10: 6.

Xie Mingyang scored another point.

They saved three match points in a row.

"Xie Mingyang!"

"come on!"

The fans in the stadium cheered.

"Fuck!"

Zhang Jiahao sat up straight abruptly. "Could it be that this guy surnamed Xie is really going to defy the heavens?"

But then, he calmed down.

"No, it's impossible."

Zhang Jiahao shook his head. "Next is Hugo's serve. The farce is about to end."

Although he kept denying that Xie Mingyang could turn the tide, his unconsciously clenched fists and slightly forward-leaning body had already betrayed his inner tension and anticipation.

Chen Jin saw this and smiled slightly.

Despite having secured match point, Hugo struggled to win the game, and he clearly felt the pressure.

"Use both serves to kill the game!"

High toss serve.

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Xie Mingyang made a fuss.

Hugo's swing.

However, under pressure, the feel for the ball deteriorates.

The return shot should land slightly ahead of the target.

Half-high, half-on stage.

Xie Mingyang was originally about to return the ball with a chop, but as he made his shot, he keenly realized that it was an opportunity.

Immediately, it was restarted.

"Snapped!"

His forehand attack was fierce and aggressive.

The ping-pong ball, like a cannonball, blasted towards Hugo's center.

Hugo remained calm under pressure, twisted his waist, and, despite being out of position, forcefully counter-attacked with a forehand.

With great force and speed, it pursued the enemy relentlessly.

At this moment, Xie Mingyang was calm and reacted extremely quickly, using a backhand to deflect the force and defend.

Hugo originally thought that Xie Mingyang would definitely fight back, so he took half a step back in advance, wanting to counter-attack with his forehand and end the point.

However, unexpectedly, Xie Mingyang returned the ball with a light and short shot.

Hugo has already lost half a step.

There wasn't enough time for my feet to reach forward, so I tried to reach it with my hands, but it was still half an inch too short.

10: 7.

Xie Mingyang scored another point.

"Boiled!"

Li Qian roared.

As the score drew closer, it felt like a noose around his neck was tightening, and Hugo's pressure grew heavier and heavier.

Sweat poured down his forehead, and he kept raising his elbow to wipe it away.

Swing the racket and fan the air quickly.

"It's ok."

Hugo took a deep breath, forcibly suppressing his inner unease. "I still have three match points. It should be my opponents who are nervous."

Thinking about it this way, I looked up at Xie Mingyang.

Xie Mingyang remained calm and composed, showing no signs of panic or impatience, even more so than the veteran.

Originally, Hugo planned to serve long for the next time.

But at that moment, he gave up the idea.

"Be more cautious."

Hugo thought to himself, "I can't give my opponent even the slightest chance."

Think about this.

Continue with the high toss serve.

Short backhand.

Do not forward.

Xie Mingyang stepped forward, his hand movements seemingly preparing to chop diagonally.

But, at the moment of release, he flicked his wrist, swayed straight, and lightly landed on Hugo's forehand small triangle.

This feint is extremely deceptive.

As expected, Hugo was fooled.

Hugo took a half step back, braced himself with his backhand, and prepared to charge forward.

Unexpectedly, Xie Mingyang used a feint to attack from the east while attacking from the west.

Hugo was startled, pushed off the ground and started moving forward, rushing towards his forehand position.

Unfortunately, I was a little slow in my step and lost my footing.

The ball went into the net during the drop shot.

8: 10.

The score difference has narrowed to two points.

"Fuck!"

Zhang Jiahao's eyes widened. "Is that guy surnamed Xie really going to turn things upside down?"

Looking around, one could see twenty or thirty maroon pool tables set up in the huge venue, gleaming eerily under the lights.

The serve returned to Xie Mingyang.

If we can seize the opportunity during these two service rounds, we can tie the score at 10-10.

At that time, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious.

Even Chen Jin, the god of prediction, could not foresee this at this moment.

Chen Jin unscrewed the bottle cap and tilted his head back to take a sip of water.

Standing behind Zhang Jiahao, looking down at him, he calmly watched the live broadcast of the match.

Come on!

Hugo suddenly shouted, both to encourage himself and to relieve his inner tension and pressure.

After leading 10-3, Xie Mingyang narrowed the gap to 10-8, leaving only a two-point difference.

The pressure involved is self-evident.

The impact on him if the score were tied would be unimaginable.

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

The small white ball bounced gently on the maroon ping-pong table, like a ballerina dancing among flowers.

The surroundings were quiet.

All eyes were focused on Xie Mingyang's palm.

In the video, Xie Mingyang's hand holding the camera trembles slightly.

"laugh!"

Reverse spin serve.

The forehand is short.

Side down.

Hugo placed a short central position.

Xie Mingyang quickly countered with a long backhand strike.

Hugo stomped his feet, slid to the side, and swung his right arm, preparing to charge forward.

Little did they know, Xie Mingyang had been secretly working on something more subtle during his quick chop.

The plate is slightly lateral and has a lateral rotation.

Hugo was too impatient, wanting to end the match, and his footwork failed to match the target.

9: 10.

"Wow!"

The fans in the stadium cheered in unison.

"nice shot!"

Li Qian clenched his fists, his face tense, as if his heart was about to jump out of his chest, his eyes fixed on Xie Mingyang, "There's one more serve."

"Stay calm, stay calm, absolutely stay calm!"

"Hugo is visibly panicked. If he seizes the opportunity, he can turn the tide."

In the training hall, Zhang Jiahao was equally nervous, muttering to himself, "Just one more ball, and I need to serve it well..."

"Serve boldly."

Chen Jin said in a deep voice, "Steal his long forehand, don't let Hugo use his backhand to exert force."

Unfortunately, Xie Mingyang couldn't hear him.

All the expectations and all the pressure rest on this one serve.

Xie Mingyang hesitated for a long time, unable to decide which ball to serve.

After much deliberation, I finally made up my mind.

Short backhand.

Do not forward.

Firstly, it ensures that the serve is not faulty, and secondly, it can limit Hugo's backhand attack.

He predicted that at this crucial point, even if Hugo served a backhand, Hugo would not dare to exert himself rashly.

As expected, Hugo did not act rashly.

Instead, they placed a short center line.

On the contrary, a thought flashed through Xie Mingyang's mind: "Strike first!"

Step forward to gain position, then execute a backhand topspin.

"laugh!"

The ping-pong ball, spinning intensely, flew towards the left side of the center line on the opponent's table.

Hugo darted forward, sliding and shifting his position to create enough space to hit the ball.

A powerful backhand flick, tearing the cross-court line.

"Snapped!"

This move was a display of all of Hugo's strength, speed, and will.

The ball flew like a meteor, carrying a resolute momentum, heading straight for Xie Mingyang's backhand corner.

Xie Mingyang took a step forward and used his backhand to defend.

However, the power of Hugo's shot far exceeded Xie Mingyang's expectations.

boom!
The ping-pong ball slammed into the racket with terrifying force, like a runaway wild horse, completely uncontrollable.

It was instantly launched into the air, tracing a desperate arc through the sky.

(End of this chapter)