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

Chapter 462 No one can beat me before I lift the St. Bride's Cup!

The moment the ball hits the ground.

The whole place was boiling.

Chen Jin slowly straightened up, his forehead damp with sweat and stuck to his forehead.

"Whoo~"

He exhaled a long breath, his chest heaving violently.

In an instant, all the killing intent within him seemed to melt away like ice and snow.

The other side.

Hayato Togami, supporting himself on his knees, was panting heavily, his face pale.

Although the final score was 4-0, he was almost completely dominated by Chen Jin throughout the game.

However, the physical and mental strain was greater than that of a seven-set match.

I feel like my whole being has been hollowed out.

Courtside.

Wang Hao had already stood up, smiling, and applauded Chen Jin's victory: "To make it to the semi-finals in his first World Table Tennis Championships and win a medal, Chen Jin... well done."

For a moment, I didn't know what words to use to describe it.

Before the World Table Tennis Championships, although Chen Jin had already firmly established himself as the world's number one and won the World Cup, there were still doubts about him among certain groups.

After all, if you want to wear the crown, you must bear its weight.

Wang Hao also worried that the better Chen Jin's performance, the more likely his reputation, which he had built up in the past, could vanish in an instant if he were to falter at the World Table Tennis Championships.

Some people will never allow the Chinese national table tennis team players to experience fluctuations in their performance.

Fortunately, Chen Jin's performance at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships was dominant and did not disappoint.

They fought their way into the semifinals and are in red-hot form.

"A mere top four finish is definitely not Chen Jin's limit!"

Watching Chen Jin's retreating figure, fists clenched tightly in quiet celebration, Wang Hao's applause grew louder. "Go for it, Chen Jin!"

"Take your penhold racket and keep striving for even greater heights!"

"Follow in the footsteps of your predecessors and surpass them!"

Compared to Wang Hao's triumphant mood.

On the other hand, Kishikawa Seiya's expression was more one of helplessness.

For this quarter-final match, he meticulously planned to have Togami Hayabusa use the Hawk-Eye rule to disrupt Chen Jin's rhythm and mentality in order to gain even the slightest chance.

However, as it turns out, no matter how ingenious the tactical arrangements are, they all appear so fragile in the face of an absolute disparity in strength.

Therefore, he could not be too critical of Togami Hayabusa.

Given his position within the Japanese team, it was already unexpected that Togami Hayato was able to reach the men's singles quarterfinals.

"Now, we can only place our hopes on men's doubles."

Kishikawa Seiya pondered to himself.

At this moment.

On the field, Chen Jin walked towards Togami Hayabusa and shook hands with him.

Togami Hayasuke raised his head, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

There was resentment, exhaustion, but also admiration and respect.

A fifteen or sixteen-year-old boy possesses such terrifying strength.

Besides "defying the heavens," Togami Hayabusa couldn't find any other word to describe his opponent.

Defeating him is harder than climbing to heaven.

Now, he finally understands the despair other contestants feel when facing Chen Jin.

"Congratulations."

Togami Hayasuke spoke with a bitter tone in slightly broken English.

"Thank you."

Chen Jin responded politely.

His tone was calm, without excessive excitement.

It's as if what just ended wasn't the World Table Tennis Championships semi-finals.

It was just a regular intra-team practice match.

This composure beyond his years is sometimes more frightening than his sharp playing style.

After shaking hands with the referee and Seiya Kishikawa.

Chen Jin insisted on addressing the audience once again.

Then, he walked towards Wang Hao.

Wang Hao's face was beaming with joy.

The master and apprentice clapped their hands in celebration.

in the audience.

Zhang Jiahao had already jumped up, clapping vigorously and shouting excitedly, "Brother Jin, awesome!"

His expression was as if he had made it to the men's singles semifinals.

Xie Mingyang, who was standing next to him, did not speak, but the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"Judging from Chen Jin's momentum, it seems like he's a shoo-in for the finals and the championship."

Xie Mingyang's gaze darkened slightly. "We joined the national table tennis team together, played matches together, trained together... I never imagined that the gap between us would widen so much."

"I wonder when I'll be able to surpass him!"

VIP viewing area.

Wang Liqin and Liu Guoliang both showed satisfied and gratified smiles.

"In such a major competition, Chen Jin was able to remain calm in the face of his opponents' fierce attacks and interference."

Wang Liqin nodded and said, "Mature beyond his years."

"Yes."

Liu Guoliang said, "However, I didn't expect that Kishikawa Seiya and Togami Hayabusa would actually use Hawk-Eye to challenge the rules and interfere with Chen Jin."

"I really didn't expect it."

Wang Liqin frowned slightly. "It seems we need to pay more attention to the various possibilities within the rules in the future."

"It's fortunate that it was Chen Jin who remained calm. If it were anyone else, such a deliberate act might have thrown them off balance."

The key point is that the other party made reasonable use of the rules and did not do anything wrong.

Even if you fall for it, you can only suffer in silence.

Douyin.

xuperman's live stream.

The atmosphere in the live chat was equally enthusiastic.

"Chen Jin is still amazing!"

Xu Xin couldn't help but sigh, "Togami Hayabusa fought so fiercely, even using some... moves, but he still couldn't escape being crushed by Chen Jin."

"Chen Jin has advanced to the semifinals of the Doha World Table Tennis Championships. Friends, do you know what this means?"

The assistant immediately chimed in, "After many years, we finally have another penhold grip player who has made it into the World Table Tennis Championships men's singles semifinals."

"In this era where shakehand grip reigns supreme and backhand systems are paramount, every breakthrough for penhold grip players is incredibly difficult!"

"Brother Xin."

The assistant turned to look at Xu Xin, "If I remember correctly, the last penhold player who made it to the men's singles semifinals at the World Table Tennis Championships was you, right?"

"Correct."

Xu Xin nodded, his eyes filled with reminiscence, "The 2017 World Table Tennis Championships in Düsseldorf."

Having said this, he paused.

His tone and expression were slightly complicated. "We lost to Mataki 0-4 in the semi-finals."

"From that time on, I felt that it was really too difficult for penhold players to achieve good results. Reaching the semi-finals of the World Table Tennis Championships might be the limit for penhold players."

"but--"

Xu Xin abruptly changed the subject, pulling himself out of his memories, and his expression and tone became excited, "Chen Jin has once again taken up the mantle of our straight-grip handheld game!"

"His backhand is no less than Wang Hao's at his peak, and his mid-to-long-range shots can even rival those of European players."

"The lethality of the forehand is even more terrifying."

"The team's skills include short-range ball control, fast attack from mid-to-close range, and long-range ball battles. Their overall technical and tactical abilities are comprehensive, and their physical and mental qualities have reached an unprecedented level."

"I believe, I've always believed, that Chen Jin will definitely be able to revive the glory of our straight-grip game!"

"Right in Doha!"

……

Mixed mining area.

Chen Jingang came out.

With long guns and short cannons, they swarmed forward.

First of all, congratulations to Chen Jin for advancing to the men's singles semifinals.

A reporter asked first, "During the game, it seemed that your opponent deliberately used Hawk-Eye to challenge the rules, disrupt your rhythm, and interfere with your mindset. What are your thoughts on this?"

"That's the rule. When the other party uses it is their decision, and there's no problem with that."

Chen Jin smiled calmly, "I don't have any opinion either."

"Your opponent in the next match will be either Lin Shidong or Hugo."

The reporter then asked, "Who would you prefer to win?"

"Either is fine." Chen Jinwei shrugged.

What are your expectations for the semifinals?

The reporter, unwilling to give up, continued to ask questions.

"Play every game well and lift the St. Bride's Cup."

……

Ten p.m.

On the penultimate day of the Doha World Table Tennis Championships, all competitions have concluded.

hotel.

A certain room.

Bright lights.

Men's table tennis coaches Wang Liqin, Qin Zhijian, Wang Hao, and Liu Zhiqiang, along with players Chen Jin, Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, and Zhang Jiahao, gathered here.

A faint aroma of tea filled the air.

Wang Liqin picked up his teacup, took a small sip, glanced around at everyone, and then spoke.

"Everyone has worked hard after several days of competition."

Wang Liqin's voice was steady and powerful: "From the current perspective, our results at this Doha World Table Tennis Championships are gratifying."

"We have three men in the men's singles semifinals: Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, and Chen Jin."

"The mixed doubles team has reached the finals, and the men's doubles team has also reached the semifinals..."

He hasn't finished speaking yet.

Zhang Jiahao suddenly raised his hand and said, "Reporting to Chairman Wang, Brother Jin and I have also made it to the finals in men's doubles."

"what?"

Wang Liqin was stunned for a moment.

He clearly remembered that, according to the schedule, Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao had just finished their quarterfinal match today.

Logically, there should be another semi-final match tomorrow.

But Zhang Jiahao said that the men's doubles team had already reached the finals.

Did I remember it wrong?
With a hint of doubt, Wang Liqin looked at Wang Hao, as if asking a question.

"Yes."

Wang Hao nodded, "Our men's doubles team has made it to the finals."

Judging from his expression, he seemed to have a wry smile on his face.

This statement came out.

Everyone present, except for Chen Jin, Zhang Jiahao, and Wang Hao, was completely bewildered.

How did they get to the finals before the semifinals even started?
How could the prestigious World Table Tennis Championships be treated so lightly?

"what happened?"

Wang Liqin asked.

"that……"

Wang Hao's expression was a bit strange. "The opponents in the men's doubles semi-finals were originally the French pair of Boulder and Dol."

"The two reversed the game, defeated their opponents, and advanced to the semifinals. Dole was so excited that he injured his ankle while sliding on his knees to celebrate..."

"We recently received news that the French pair withdrew from the competition due to injury."

"Therefore, our men's doubles team won without a fight and advanced directly to the final."

After listening to Wang Hao's words.

in the room.

Be quiet for a while.

Then, a few soft laughs rang out.

Such a situation is extremely rare at the World Table Tennis Championships.

But it happened nonetheless.

Even Wang Liqin couldn't help but chuckle: "What a coincidence! You're quite lucky."

"Just average."

Zhang Jiahao grinned and said, "But even if they hadn't withdrawn from the competition, Brother Jin and I could still crush them and still make it to the finals."

His words were full of confidence.

Although it was his first time participating in the World Table Tennis Championships, he was probably a little nervous and apprehensive at the beginning, worried that he might hold Chen Jin back.

However, after fighting his way through and defeating strong enemies, Zhang Jiahao became more and more confident.

"That's a good thing."

Wang Liqin laughed and said, "Especially for Chen Jin."

"If we play one less game tomorrow, we can concentrate our energy and stamina on dealing with Hugo."

Originally, the foreign team F4, consisting of Tomokazu Harimoto, Joel Felix, Rafael Moregaard, and Lin Yun-Ju, was regarded by the coaching staff as the number one enemy of the Chinese national table tennis team.

Unexpectedly, Hugo suddenly exploded onto the scene, bringing together three top players—Klin Shi Dong, Zhang Ben Zhihe, and Wang Chuqin—to the World Cup final, giving everyone a scare.

Hugo's form at the Doha World Table Tennis Championships was even better than at the World Cup.

Apart from his close fight with Xie Mingyang, he crushed almost all his other opponents.

Without a doubt, Hugo has surpassed the foreign F4 and become the number one rival of men's table tennis.

In the lower half of the bracket, the semifinal match between Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun is an all-Chinese affair, so there's no need to worry too much.

Regardless of who wins, they are guaranteed a spot in the finals.

The match between Chen Jin and Hugo in the upper bracket is particularly noteworthy.

Even during the World Cup, Chen Jin defeated Hugo.

However, this time and that time.

No one can guarantee that Chen Jin will be able to defeat Hugo 100% in a rematch.

more importantly.

This time, Hugo will undoubtedly be fighting with a heart full of revenge.

This kind of opponent is the most dangerous.

The couple Hugo and Takahashi Bruna also participated in the mixed doubles competition.

However, it has long been obsolete.

Now, Hugo only needs to focus on singles.

If Chen Jin has to participate in the men's doubles match before tomorrow's showdown, it will more or less affect his physical strength and energy.

On the field, things can change in an instant.

Even the smallest detail can be the key to victory or defeat.

Fortunately, luck was on Chen Jin's side.

Wang Liqin continued, "Of course, regardless of whether it's a foreign war or a domestic war, I hope you all understand that you cannot relax and must go all out to perform at your highest level."

"This is not only a sign of respect for your opponents, but also a sign of respect for yourselves, and a test of your own strength."

talking.

His gaze swept over Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun.

The two sat there silently, their expressions serious.

As the core player of the men's table tennis team during the Los Angeles Olympic cycle, Wang Chuqin is destined to shoulder the responsibility of leading the national team, according to the coaching staff's plan.

However, Wang Chuqin's form has been inconsistent since the Paris Olympics last year.

For more than half a year, even the WTT champions failed to win any awards.

During the World Cup, the same thing happened again – losing half of the bracket.

Such results are clearly unworthy of his status as a leading figure in men's table tennis.

Therefore, for Wang Chuqin, this Doha World Table Tennis Championships is a crucial battle to prove himself and turn his career around.

Wang Chuqin attached great importance to it.

The same applies to Liang Jingkun.

Because of the dominance of Ma Long and Fan Zhendong, Liang Jingkun, this seemingly idle prince, participated in the World Table Tennis Championships three times and won bronze medals all three times.

Now that the two mountains weighing on his head have finally disappeared, Liang Jingkun naturally wants to go even further in the World Table Tennis Championships.

Moreover, given his age, and seeing rising stars like Lin Shidong, Xie Mingyang, and Zhang Jiahao striving to catch up, this may be his last chance to participate in the World Table Tennis Championships.

After clearing landmines for others for so many years, it's time to take a chance for myself!

Liang Jingkun was holding back his anger, and his eyes revealed a resolute determination.

"Chen Jin".

Wang Liqin then changed the subject, saying, "Whether you can hold your half of the bracket in tomorrow's semi-final depends on you."

"Judging from your match against Hugo in the World Cup, you had the upper hand against him."

"However, Hugo is an extremely talented player with a great feel for the game and explosive power. His backhand and mid-to-long-range rally ability are world-class."

"So we can't take it lightly."

"He's definitely motivated by revenge this time, so you need to be prepared to withstand the pressure."

Hear the words.

Chen Jin nodded: "Understood."

Once on the field, he never underestimates any opponent tactically.

But at the same time, he was incredibly confident: "No one can beat me before I lift the St. Bride's Cup!"

(End of this chapter)