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

Chapter 457 Enjoy the game? I really will tie up Q!

11: 9.

The score is 4-3.

The score is now final; the outcome is decided.

"Roar--!!!"

Hugo suddenly shouted.

Unconsciously, the racket slipped from his hand.

He fell backward and lay flat on the field.

He covered his face with his hands, his chest heaving violently.

The excitement of being completely released after extreme exhaustion, the ecstasy and relief of finally advancing after overcoming hardships... all these emotions intertwined.

Before the match, Hugo never expected that this sixteen-year-old boy would be able to push him to the brink of defeat and almost shatter his Dao heart.

His failure to reach the semi-finals at the Paris Olympics, where he failed to win a medal, left him devastated.

After a break of more than half a year, they finally shone brightly at the Macau World Cup.

Riding the wave of his World Cup success, Hugo plans to aim for the championship at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships, pushing his career to new heights.

Unexpectedly, the mere 32 finalists almost suffered a crushing defeat.

Fortunately, he was more skilled and defeated his opponent.

Otherwise, for a World Cup runner-up to lose to an unknown player would be no less humiliating than the world number one being eliminated in the top 32 of the Olympics.

the other side.

Xie Mingyang stood there expressionless, gently wiping the racket in his hand.

His hair was already soaked with sweat and stuck to his skin.

The jersey was completely soaked and clung to his back.

Two points difference!

The final score flashing on the screen was like a cold needle piercing my eyes.

"pity……"

A hint of regret flashed in Xie Mingyang's eyes, "I was a little timid with that serve just now."

"If you're bold enough, you could try to steal his long forehand shot directly, which might be surprisingly effective."

It's too late for regrets now.

Although there was some regret, there was no sense of loss. On the contrary, a burning emotion was surging and churning in my heart.

He was well aware that he was a newcomer and, in terms of hard skills, still had a considerable gap compared to Hugo.

According to pre-match estimates, the chances of winning this match were less than 20%.

However, with his sheer courage, he nearly drove the world's top table tennis player to the brink of defeat.

So what if we lose?
So what if we were eliminated in the top 32?
Being able to fight to the final game against a table tennis powerhouse like Hugo is extremely beneficial to me, both in terms of willpower, mentality, and competitive experience.

I still have the right to lose now; consider it tuition paid on the road to growth.

Looking at those top players, apart from the monstrous Chen Jin, even those as strong as Zhang Jike, Ma Long, and Fan Zhendong paid a lot of tuition fees when they were young.
"I'm sure I'll win next time we face off!"

A fierce flame seemed to burn in Xie Mingyang's eyes.

At this moment.

Hugo sprang to his feet with a quick somersault, a smile on his face, and strode toward Xie Mingyang.

He had already extended his right palm from a distance.

"Congratulations."

Xie Mingyang shook hands with him.

"Thank you."

Hugo looked Xie Mingyang up and down, a hint of respect in his expression. "You're very strong."

After a grueling seven-game match, Xie Mingyang nearly pulled off a comeback victory.

Although he ultimately won by sheer luck, the young man before him, while lacking the despair-inducing dominance of Chen Jin, was bound to achieve great things in time.

VIP viewing area.

Liu Guoliang, Wang Liqin, Qin Zhijian, and Wang Hao sat together watching the game.

"Pity."

Qin Zhijian said with regret, "We were just two points short."

Hugo's performance in the World Cup was remarkable.

Their level of danger has surpassed that of the foreign F4, making them the number one enemy of the Chinese national table tennis team.

If Xie Mingyang can eliminate Hugo at the World Table Tennis Championships, he will surely become famous overnight.

Unfortunately, they were ultimately one step behind.

"It may seem like there are only two points difference, but in reality, there is a big difference."

Liu Guoliang shook his head and said, "Basic skills, tactics, mentality, physical fitness, experience... Xie Mingyang still needs more training."

"Of course, it is undeniable that Xie Mingyang is still young and will have plenty of opportunities to make up for the gap in the future."

"I can only describe Xie Mingyang's performance in this match with four words."

"Even though we lose, we still have honor."

This statement came out.

Wang Liqin smiled and nodded, saying, "I have a similar thought."

"Now we have Chen Jin, Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, and even Fan Zhendong. With these players supporting us, we have given young players, including Lin Shidong and Xie Mingyang, enough time to develop and grow."

"I believe that in the near future, they will be able to support the Chinese national table tennis team."

……

training hall.

Zhang Jiahao put away his phone, stood up from the ground, and patted the dust off his backside.

"I knew it, the guy surnamed Xie was bound to lose."

Zhang Jiahao pursed his lips, his tone suggesting disappointment. "If Xie had served like you said, Brother Jin, and used his long forehand, the outcome might have been different."

Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Xie Mingyang was able to save match points in the final few points because Hugo's mentality began to change and fluctuate.

In addition, the seven-game battle took a huge toll on their physical strength.

Hugo's pace was noticeably worse than in the previous rounds.

If Hugo were to suddenly launch a surprise serve, targeting the long forehand, his footwork might not be able to keep up.

However, the outcome is already decided, and it's too late to say anything now.

"The outcome of a competition is what matters."

Chen Jin said, "There was a difference in strength to begin with, so it's normal to lose."

"Moreover, Lao Xie played better than I expected in this game. He was still honorable despite the defeat."

"With Lao Xie's strength and form, if he had a slightly better draw and hadn't faced Hugo in the third round, Lao Xie could have at least made it to the quarterfinals."

Whether considering world rankings or individual skill, Hugo Calderano is more than qualified to be ranked in the top four at this Doha World Table Tennis Championships.

Xie Mingyang's encounter with Hugo so early in the season is indeed a bit unlucky.

"The one surnamed Xie... in the top eight?"

Zhang Jiahao seemed somewhat unconvinced, "Brother Jin, what about me?"

"If I participate in singles, what number of finals can I reach?"

Looking at Chen Jin, his face was full of anticipation.

They looked like kindergarten children waiting for their teacher to praise them with a red flower.

Chen Jin glanced at him: "It might be the top 128."

"what?"

Zhang Jiahao's smile froze as if struck by a sudden gust of north wind, and he looked utterly dejected. "Top 120? Am I really that bad?"

"It could also be the semi-finals."

Chen Jin continued speaking calmly and deliberately.

Hear the words.

Zhang Jiahao's eyes suddenly lit up, and he immediately became energetic, beaming with joy as he said, "Brother Jin understands me best."

"Have you rested enough now?"

Chen Jin put down the towel, walked to the pool table, picked up the racket, and said, "Let's continue."

While talking.

With a "whoosh" sound, the ball stopped at the fingertip.

"I'm coming too!"

Zhang Jiahao stretched his muscles and bones.

soon.

The crisp, rapid sounds of the balls hitting the table echoed and reverberated above one side of the pool table.

About forty minutes later.

A staff member quickly walked over and reminded Chen Jin to go backstage.

The two men then stopped.

Chen Jin packed his things methodically, leaving nothing behind: racket, towel, water bottle, banana, energy bar, and spare racket.

Then, he slung his backpack over his shoulder.

"Brother Jin."

Zhang Jiahao gave a thumbs up and said, "Keep it up."

With a slight smile, Chen Jin waved his hand, then turned and left the training hall alone.

The backstage area. Slightly dimly lit.

Arrived at the waiting area.

Wang Hao, holding a suitcase with a Labubu doll hanging from it and a backpack in his other hand, sat on the sofa, having been waiting for a long time.

Inspect the ball and sign.

Chen Jin handed the racket to the testing personnel.

Unlike previous times, the Table Tennis Association indeed sent a dedicated person to closely monitor every step of the racket testing process to prevent a repeat of the incident.

After watching the testing personnel carefully place the racket into a special bag, Chen Jin turned his gaze away and walked towards the sofa.

"coming?"

Wang Hao sat up straight.

"Ah."

Chen Jin responded.

My gaze involuntarily drifted to the LABUBU doll; I never expected that Coach Wang Hao still had such a childlike heart.

"My eldest son gave it to me."

Wang Hao laughed and said, "They say it can help my career."

When talking about her son, her eyes were full of tenderness.

As the head coach of the men's table tennis team, he spends most of his time away from home for training and competitions, and doesn't have much time to reunite with his family.

"Quite cute."

Chen Jin made a casual compliment.

It's unclear whether they were referring to the doll or Wang Hao's son.

"Back to the match."

Wang Hao's smile vanished, and he said seriously, "Karlsson, I don't need to say anything more, do I?"

"Ah."

Chen Jin nodded.

At the Singapore Grand Slam, he faced the Karlsson-Falk pair once in the men's doubles event.

The 34-year-old Swedish veteran has long hovered around 50th in the world rankings.

As a left-handed player, he won the men's doubles title at the 2021 World Table Tennis Championships in Houston with his teammate Falk.

However, in singles competitions, Karlsson's performance has always been lukewarm, lacking the overwhelming strength to deliver a decisive blow.

"Karlsson is left-handed, uses topspin shots on both sides, has tricky trajectories, is very experienced, and still has considerable strength."

Wang Hao advised, "This is your first time fighting, so don't underestimate each other and adapt as quickly as possible."

The fact that Karlsson was able to participate in the World Table Tennis Championships and successfully advance to the top 32 shows that he is no ordinary player.

On the field, any carelessness or underestimation of the opponent can be fatal.

Chen Jin understood this principle perfectly well. Even when playing casual basketball with old men in the park, he would give it his all.

Not to mention in professional competitions.

Underestimating your opponent is the greatest disrespect you can show to the racket in your hand!

Therefore, Chen Jin had no intention of underestimating his opponent.

"clear."

Chen Jin nodded solemnly.

As they were talking...

Karlsson, carrying a backpack, arrived late with his coach.

Upon seeing Chen Jin, he nodded in greeting.

At the Singapore Grand Slam, Karlsson and his partner Falk lost to the young duo of Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao.

Although it was a doubles match, Chen Jin's strong control and scoring ability at crucial moments left a lasting impression on Karlsson.

Now, it's singles.

Without teammates who "hold him back," Chen Jin is like a demon king whose seal has been completely broken, and he is probably even more terrifying than in doubles.

Carlsson was already mentally prepared.

He knew very well that it was a pipe dream for him to win against the boy in front of him.

Unless a miracle happens.

However, if miracles were so easy to happen, how could they be called miracles?

"Don't think too much about it, Carlson."

The coach beside Karlsson seemed to have seen through Karlsson's thoughts, and patted him on the shoulder, saying, "Treat this as a culinary journey and enjoy the game."

Enjoy the game?

Karlsson gave a bitter smile, "I really do know how to tie up Q!"

As it turned out, Carlson's concerns were not unfounded.

Facing a killer like Chen Jin, there's never any talk of enjoying the game.

Game start.

first round.

0: 0.

Chen Jin stood on the left side of the table, toying with a small white ball between his fingers. His face was expressionless, but his eyes revealed murderous intent, and his whole body was shrouded in a terrifying aura.

It was as if a god of death stood before them.

It makes people feel intimidated.

Even a veteran like Carlsson couldn't help but feel a chill.

"Gulu!"

Adam's apple bobbed as he swallowed saliva.

At this moment, Chen Jin suddenly moved.

Toss the ball and prepare to swing.

"laugh!"

Hook serve.

The forehand is short.

Carlson snapped back to his senses, took a step forward, and cautiously moved short.

After all, in their first encounter, the first few rounds were mostly for probing.

Perhaps due to tension, he wasn't quite used to Chen Jin's serve, resulting in slightly poor control and the return shot going high.

"Snapped!"

Its momentum was like thunder.

Chen Jin showed no mercy, leaping forward and delivering a powerful strike.

The ball was so fast, like a white lightning bolt, that it slammed into the far corner of the forehand side.

Before Karlsson could even react, the ball had already flown far away.

1: 0.

"They're playing this aggressively right from the start?"

Carlson took a deep breath. "What happened to the test? Young people have no sportsmanship."

Second serve.

Still hooking the hand.

The middle path is short.

Side down.

Although he had suffered a loss on that last shot, Karlsson still dared not make a rash move.

Step forward to meet them, keeping your arms straight.

Chen Jin pushed off with his foot, quickly seized the position, lowered his shoulder and raised his elbow, and twisted the opposite corner.

Carlsson reverses the straight line.

This shot had a tricky trajectory and a wide angle, spanning the entire table.

Fortunately, Chen Jin recovered extremely quickly, his figure flashing like a ghost as he returned to defend the left half of the table.

He met the incoming ball with a backhand flick.

"Snapped!"

A diagonal line drawn back from the previous direction.

Carlsson leaped and lunged for the forehand.

However, they were ultimately a step too late.

He could only watch helplessly as the ping-pong ball darted past his hand.

0: 2.

Switch sides and serve.

Karlsson served a short, no-spin forehand.

Chen Jin stepped forward and swung his short sword.

Karlsson quickly smashes a backhand baseline shot.

This strike was long, fast, and powerful; if it were any other competitor, they would have already surrendered.

However, Chen Jin's steps were light and agile, as if a dragonfly skimmed the water.

Five steps per second.

He managed to create space to hit the ball by turning sideways at the beginning of its descent.

At the same time, squat down and draw back the racket with your right arm.

"Snapped!"

The racket in his hand shot out explosively.

The small ping-pong ball instantly transformed into a ferocious beast, roaring as it charged towards Karlsson's forehand baseline corner.

Karlsson couldn't make the save.

0: 3.

In just two minutes, a mere three goals.

However, the difference in quality is immediately apparent.

In the following matches, Chen Jin showed no mercy whatsoever.

His attacks were so fierce that it seemed as if Karlsson was the invincible king of table tennis.

Therefore, Chen Jin fought with all his might for every ball.

A powerful forehand smash, a devastating backhand tear... he wanted to smash the ball to pieces with a single shot.

Although Carlson tried his best to resolve the situation.

However, all of his attack routes were anticipated and completely blocked by Chen Jin.

11: 1.

Chen Jinbing captured the first city without bloodshed.

"Ah~"

Looking at the huge score difference, Karlsson shook his head and sighed.

He wiped the sweat from his face with a towel, a hint of helplessness in his eyes.

Faced with Chen Jin's impenetrable defense and relentless attacks, he was utterly helpless.

In the second game...

Carlsson regrouped and attempted a counterattack.

Instead of aiming for a safe return, they take the initiative and replace defense with offense.

This would disrupt Chen Jin's rhythm and allow them to take the initiative.

This tactic worked well at the start.

They managed to score two points, bringing the score to 2-2 with Chen Jin.

But the good times didn’t last long.

When Chen Jin switched his offensive, he instantly destroyed Karlsson's tactical layout.

Chen Jin's every shot carried immense power, with intense spin and precise placement, making Karlsson's returns increasingly difficult.

Carlsson tried to pull harder, but he couldn't stop Chen Jin's force and kept flying out of bounds.

He tried to deflect the force of the attack and defend, but Chen Jin seized the opportunity and delivered a fatal blow.

This immediately put Carlson in a dilemma.

And just like that, the score gap widened again very quickly.

11: 4.

Chen Jin scores another goal.

Back on the sidelines, Karlsson was covered in sweat, his eyes looking somewhat lost.

Although his coach was gesturing anxiously on the sidelines, constantly giving tactical instructions.

However, facing such an impeccable opponent, any tactic seems pale and powerless.

The third round.

Karlsson increased the variety of his serves.

However, Kim's serve reception technique and control within the table are also unparalleled.

Whether it's a short parry, a long chop, or a direct attack, the execution is flawless.

This put Carlsson on the defensive.

Soon, the score was set at 11-3.

The score is 3-0.

Wang Hao, sitting on the sidelines, crossed his legs, looking relaxed, with the timid ease of someone clocking in and out at a tobacco company.

She looked radiant, as if she had become twenty years younger.

Even during breaks between sets.

He only said a few words, without even mentioning specific tactics or techniques.

Instead, he warned Chen Jin: "Karlsson is also an old rival of ours. He's a veteran in his thirties and his stamina is failing."

"If you can kill the ball with one smash, don't move it around. It's heartbreaking to watch him run around like that."

Chen Jin nodded: "Okay."

Back on the field.

five minutes later.

11: 2.

Like a tornado passing through, Chen Jin swept through with overwhelming force, ending the match cleanly and decisively.

They defeated Karlsson 4-0 and easily advanced to the round of 16.

The match ended with a crushing defeat.

"Is this what they mean by enjoying the game?"

Karlsson, his face contorted with pain, looked up to the sky and sighed, "I hope that for the rest of my life, I will never meet Chen Jin on the court again!"

(End of this chapter)