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

Chapter 477 Doha Championship Win! The Penhold Grip Remains Invincible!
The ball lands.

The score is now set.

11: 4.

The match is over.

The score is 4-0.

At that moment, time seemed to stand still.

next second.

“Wow——!!!”

Like a volcano that has been dormant for thousands of years, it suddenly erupts.

Cheers, screams, and applause, mixed with rousing background music, were deafening, instantly igniting the Lusail Stadium.

"Chen Jin!"

"Chen Jin!"

"Chen Jin!"

……

A tremendous roar, perfectly synchronized, surged toward Chen Jin like a tidal wave.

Chen Jin clenched his left fist and swung it into the air.

Tilt your head back and close your eyes.

He let the sweat flow freely down his face like a stream.

A smile finally broke through the calm mask that had been welded to his face throughout the entire match.

It was as if the sunlight pierced through the dark clouds.

Bright and radiant.

he made it!

In the grandest event of world table tennis, he swept all the way and finally defeated his opponent with an impeccable shutout, thus being crowned king!

A surge of elation overwhelmed me.

However, he did not become immersed in it.

He quickly lowered his arms, turned to face the audience, and bowed deeply.

From all four directions—east, west, south, and north—we express our gratitude to the fans for their support and witnessing our journey with the utmost humility and sincerity.

This action immediately won even more enthusiastic cheers.

The applause was thunderous and prolonged.

Apart from the die-hard fans who were still immersed in Wang Chuqin's regrettable defeat, the entire audience stood up and applauded to congratulate the newly crowned world champion.

"Brilliant!"

In the VIP viewing area, Zhang Jiahao was especially excited. He jumped up from his seat, hugged Xie Mingyang next to him, and shook him vigorously, shouting, "Brother Jin, awesome!"

His voice became somewhat hoarse due to extreme excitement.

Swaying slightly from Zhang Jiahao's shaking, Xie Mingyang did not push him away.

His gaze remained fixed on the figure bathed in the spotlight, a gentle smile playing on his lips.

But deep within his eyes, a barely perceptible flame was burning quietly.

Join the national table tennis team together and fight side by side.

In less than a year, Chen Jin won the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships, widening the gap between them to a level that they could only look up to.

"One day, I will catch up with you!"

Xie Mingyang gently broke free from Zhang Jiahao's bear hug and muttered to himself.

Though the voice was soft, it carried an iron will.

Not far away.

Wang Liqin, Liu Guoliang, Qin Zhijian, Wang Hao, and others also stood up, their faces filled with gratified and appreciative smiles, and applauded vigorously.

"From now on, the world of table tennis will enter an era dominated by Chen Jin."

Liu Guoliang tilted his head and whispered.

Moreover, Chen Jin ascended to the top of the world table tennis arena with an undefeated record.

Its dominance is probably stronger and more suffocating than that of the Twin Stars, the Two Kings and One Horse, the Rio Three Musketeers and Dragon Fat in their prime.

"I knew I hadn't misjudged Chen Jin."

Wang Liqin smiled.

As early as last year's U16 selection competition, he had his eye on Chen Jin and tried every means to win him over.

Today, Chen Jin repays all the expectations and trust he received with this weighty St. Bride's Cup.

Out of the corner of my eye, I couldn't help but glance towards the corner of the back row.

There, Zhang Lei was also clapping, but his face was ashen and his lips were tightly pressed together, clearly trying his best to suppress the huge disappointment in his heart.

At this Doha World Table Tennis Championships, the Beijing team practically went all in, betting everything on Wang Chuqin.

They are doing everything they can to help Wang Chuqin win his first World Table Tennis Championships men's singles title and to mold him into Ma Long 2.0.

Unfortunately, the carefully laid plan was ruthlessly shattered by Chen Jin.

"Without Chen Jin, the men's singles title at this Doha World Table Tennis Championships would have undoubtedly belonged to Wang Chuqin."

A pang of regret welled up in Zhang Lei's heart.

During the U16 selection competition, knowing that Chen Jin was stronger, Zhang Lei decisively gave up on Chen Jin and instead tried every means to recruit Xie Mingyang into the Beijing team.

The underlying considerations are quite complex and cannot be explained to outsiders.

However, there are always gains and losses.

Wang Chuqin's defeat in the Doha men's singles may be an unavoidable consequence of that choice.

"Chen Jin, well done!"

Wang Hao smiled broadly and clapped enthusiastically.

The way he looked at Chen Jin was like that of an old father seeing his eldest son get a perfect score on an exam.

They spoil and are proud, without any attempt to hide it.

Compared to his own arduous journey to finally win the World Table Tennis Championships men's singles title in Yokohama in 09, the young man in front of me won the championship on his first appearance in the competition.

The penhold grip has finally returned to the pinnacle of table tennis!
"Won!"

"Chen Jin won!"

Xuperman's live stream.

Xu Xin, his face beaming with excitement, slammed his hand on the table. "Four to zero! Let's congratulate Chen Jin!"

"Sixteen years!"

"It's been a full sixteen years!"

"Since Wang Hao's victory at the 2009 Yokohama World Table Tennis Championships, a penhold grip player has finally won the World Table Tennis Championships men's singles title again after 16 years!"

"Sixteen years...that's incredibly difficult!"

Xu Xin's voice trembled slightly, "Congratulations, Chen Jin!"

"The world's number one straight-board penhold grip, truly deserving of the title!"

"Friends, let's raise a toast to Chen Jin!"

Cheers to the penhold grip!

at the same time.

The live stream chat was already buzzing with excitement.

Congratulations, Chen Jin!

"Chen Jin truly revived the glory of the straight grip style! Awesome!"

"The youngest World Table Tennis Championships men's singles champion!"

"At this rate, Chen Jin could become the youngest Grand Slam champion!"

Countless comments flooded in like a waterfall.

……

Coach Zhang's table tennis live stream.

"In just one month, Chen Jin won the World Cup and the World Table Tennis Championships. He is only one Olympic singles title away from achieving a Grand Slam."

Coach Zhang rested his chin on his hands and said, "Before the Los Angeles Olympics, there are three World Cups and one World Table Tennis Championships."

"If Chen Jin can maintain his current competitive form, he is very likely to break my previous record of five consecutive championships in the three major tournaments."

"In fact, if I'm lucky, I might even break my record for the fastest Grand Slam."

445 days!
The fastest Grand Slam in table tennis history!

"Some people in the live chat said I would be stingy with this record for the fastest Grand Slam..."

Coach Zhang smiled and said, "New talents emerge in every generation, and records are meant to be broken."

"I think Chen Jin has a good chance."

"Moreover, I vaguely see my own past self when I was playing in him."

That is a very, very long story.

……

On the playing field.

The boiling noise subsided slightly.

As if a tremendous burden had been lifted, Chen Jin's fierce and incomparable killing aura quietly dissipated.

Instead, a warm smile appeared.

He stepped forward and extended his right hand toward Wang Chuqin.

Regardless of how others evaluate Wang Chuqin, Chen Jin respects him as an opponent.

"Congratulations."

Wang Chuqin maintained his composure.

"Thank you."

Chen Jin said sincerely.

After shaking hands, the two turned and walked to the sidelines.

Wang Hao was already there, holding a national flag, with a bright smile on his face.

When Chen Jin approached, Wang Hao opened his arms and hugged Chen Jin, patting Chen Jin's back a few times and praising him repeatedly: "Well done, well done."

Immediately afterwards, Chen Jin, Wang Hao, and Wang Chuqin, holding both ends of the national flag, slowly unfurled it in the center of the field and waved to the audience.

The atmosphere at the scene was once again pushed to a climax.

Cheers and applause echoed for a long time.

The national flag display concluded. Wang Hao and Wang Chuqin hurriedly left.

Chen Jin remained alone in the center of the arena to give an on-site interview.

"First of all, congratulations again to Chen Jin for winning your first World Table Tennis Championships title and becoming the youngest men's singles champion in the history of the World Table Tennis Championships."

With a smile and a sweet voice, the host asked, "As someone who has won this vocational high school honor after sixteen years using a penhold grip, how do you feel right now?"

Chen Jin calmed his breathing slightly.

Before he could even speak, cheers erupted again from the crowd.

After the noise subsided slightly.

Chen Jin then spoke, his voice carrying throughout the venue through the speakers.

"I'm very excited and happy."

"Thank you to the fans for cheering me on, and thank you to the coaching team for their support."

"Through this victory, I also want to tell the predecessors of the penhold grip and those who come after them..."

There was a pause.

Chen Jin took a deep breath and shouted, "As long as we keep going, the penhold grip will never die!"

His words were powerful and resounding.

Liu Guoliang, Qin Zhijian, Wang Hao, and other former penhold grip champions were all deeply moved by Chen Jin's words.

"well said!"

Xu Xin slammed his hand on the table again, "Straight grips never die!"

Followed by.

The host continued, "Your opponent in today's final is your teammate Wang Chuqin. You've faced each other several times before. How would you rate his performance today?"

"He's in great shape and very strong."

Chen Jin's response was very appropriate: "I believe that together we have presented a wonderful game for all the fans."

“Since you started participating in international competitions last year, you have maintained an undefeated record and achieved many amazing accomplishments. How do you view this incredible journey of yours?”

the host asked.

"It's not an achievement, let alone something amazing."

Chen Jin smiled slightly, "I just do my job well. On the court, I give my all to every ball and every point, that's all."

The interview ended, and I returned to the sidelines.

Amid cheers from the crowd, Chen Jin, carrying a backpack, walked towards the players' tunnel.

When I arrived backstage.

But Wang Liqin, Liu Guoliang and other national table tennis stars were already waiting for a long time.

Everyone wore a genuine smile.

I shook hands with Chen Jin and congratulated him.

His eyes were full of admiration and doting.

According to the schedule, there is another women's doubles final next.

The awards ceremony takes place after this.

Therefore, Chen Jin had some time to return to the lounge and adjust.

I just pushed open the door to the lounge.

Xie Mingyang, Zhang Jiahao, and Lin Shidong then gathered around.

"Brother Jin, you're awesome!"

Zhang Jiahao lunged forward like an octopus, hugging Chen Jin tightly, almost bursting into tears of joy. "Coach Wu must be so happy to see this."

Coach Wu...

Upon hearing this, Chen Jin felt a sudden surge of warmth in his heart.

Sixteen years later, Coach Wu's protégé has finally reclaimed the St. Bride Cup using the penhold grip!

His life's work and perseverance have been most gloriously proven at this moment.

Looking back at last year's U16 selection tournament, Coach Wu personally led the team, bringing Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao back to the national table tennis team.

Undeterred by public criticism, he used his extensive experience and connections to vouch for Chen Jin and pave the way for his success.

In fact, in order to cultivate Chen Jin, he did not hesitate to give up Zhu Yuling's many invitations.

This kindness in recognizing and nurturing me is as heavy as Mount Tai.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Chen Jin was speechless and gave Zhang Jiahao a tight hug in return.

I took a hot shower to wash away all the fatigue and sweat.

Stepping out of the shower, Chen Jin had already changed into a clean team uniform.

Just as they finished getting ready, a staff member came to inform Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao to go to the backstage preparation area.

Because the awards ceremony is about to begin.

"Is the exciting moment finally about to arrive?"

Zhang Jiahao rubbed his hands excitedly, straightened his clothes and hair, and moved closer to Xie Mingyang, bumping him with his shoulder. He said smugly, "Hey Xie, did you see that? I'm about to lift the Iran Cup myself. Aren't you envious? Jealous?"

"cut!"

Xie Mingyang glanced at him and said, "Show-off."

……

When Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang arrived backstage, they found that a large number of people had already gathered.

Wang Chuqin, Liang Jingkun, Sun Yingsha, Ye Sijia, Hugo, Togami Hayato, Zhang Benmeihe... most of them are familiar faces.

Upon seeing Chen Jin enter, everyone stepped forward to offer their congratulations.

Chen Jin thanked them one by one.

Amidst laughter and conversation.

Staff members guided the queue.

The awards ceremony has officially begun.

First up is women's doubles.

The four semifinalists are Shin Yu-bin/Yoo Han-na (South Korea) and Harimoto Miwa/Kihara Miyu (Japan).

Runners-up: Sofia Polcanova (Austria) / Zokos (Romania).

Champions: Wang Manyu/Kuai Man (China).

Next up was the men's doubles.

The final four are: Florian Boulder/Esteban Doll (France), Lin Yun-Ju/Kao Cheng-Jui (Taiwan, China).

Runner-up: Togami Hayasuke / Shinozuka Hiroto.

Champions: Chen Jin/Zhang Jiahao.

Standing shoulder to shoulder with Chen Jin on the highest podium, Zhang Jiahao's mouth was stretched almost to his ears, and his face was stiff with laughter.

The awards are over.

Zhang Jiahao carried the trophy in one hand and put his other arm around Chen Jin's shoulder as they walked backstage.

He looked every bit the winner in life.

Then, the mixed doubles awards were presented.

The four finalists are: Wong Chun Ting/Du Kai Qin, and Lin Zhongxun/Shen Yubin.

Runner-up: Yoshimura Maharu/Oofuji Satsuki.

Champions: Wang Chuqin/Sun Yingsha

Next.

It's the women's singles awards ceremony.

The final four are Ye Sijia and Mima Ito.

Runner-up: Wang Manyu.

Champion: Sun Yingsha.

The grand finale, the men's singles awards ceremony, has finally arrived.

All the lights were focused on the venue.

The music also became more solemn and magnificent.

The emcee's voice was clear and powerful: "The fourth place winner in the men's singles at this World Table Tennis Championships is Liang Jingkun from China! And Hugo Calderano from Brazil!"

Liang Jingkun and Hugo went on stage one after the other to receive their medals.

"The runner-up is Wang Chuqin from China!"

Wang Chuqin took a deep breath, composed himself, and stepped onto the podium to receive the runner-up title.

Finally, the emcee's voice suddenly rose in pitch, filled with passion.

"The champion is—Chen Jin from China!"

The words have not yet fallen.

“Wow!!!!!”

The applause and cheers, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down, instantly engulfed the entire venue.

All the cameras and all the eyes were focused on that young figure.

Guided by the hostesses, Chen Jin slowly stepped onto the highest champion's podium.

"Whoo~"

Chen Jin let out a long breath.

His gaze shifted and landed on the gleaming St. Bride's Cup.

Under the lights, the trophy itself was dazzling enough.

But what's even more eye-catching are the lines of names engraved on the cup.

Rong Guotuan, Zhuang Zedong, Xi Enting, Guo Yuehua, Jiang Jialiang, Kong Linghui, Liu Guoliang, Wang Liqin, Wang Hao, Zhang Jike, Ma Long, Fan Zhendong...

Each name represents an era, a legend.

And today, at this moment, the name "Chen Jin" will be solemnly engraved on it by the most skilled craftsmen.

To be listed alongside these illustrious predecessors, to be passed down to future generations, and to be forever recorded in the annals of table tennis history!
The ITTF president and the award presenters hung the gold medal around his neck and then solemnly handed him the heavy St. Bride's Cup.

Chen Jin took it with both hands and raised it high.

—The new king is crowned!
Subsequently.

Play the national anthem and raise the national flag.

Three five-star red flags were raised simultaneously.

(End of this chapter)