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

Chapter 482 Table Tennis Super League, Jin Xin Duo!
6 month 5 day.

Pudong Airport Terminal 1.

Airport waiting hall.

As soon as Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao appeared at the turnstile, two figures immediately rushed to greet them.

"Chen Jin!"

The person in the lead had a beaming smile.

It was Zhang Yang, the head coach of the Shanghai men's table tennis team.

And standing next to him was Zhao Zihao, also a member of the Shanghai team.

Coach Zhang.

Zhang Jiahao, with his sharp eyes, kept waving from a distance.

Immediately, I dragged my suitcase and jogged over.

"You came to pick me up in person, how could I possibly accept that?"

Zhang Jiahao looked flattered and surprised.

"Don't daydream."

Zhang Yang glanced at Zhang Jiahao, a smile playing on his lips, but his words were anything but polite: "Zihao and I are here to pick up Chen Jin. As for you, take a taxi to the base yourself."

Hear the words.

Knowing that Zhang Yang was joking, Zhang Jiahao pretended to be hurt: "Coach Zhang, my heart is broken... I am a world champion now, after all."

Having trained with the Shanghai team for six months, he had already become familiar with Zhang Yang.

This kind of joke is something we're already used to.

Watching the two bicker, Chen Jin couldn't help but smile.

Before he could react.

Suddenly, Zhao Zihao walked up to him and snatched the suitcase from his hands.

"Chen Jin, welcome to Shanghai."

Zhao Zihao grinned and said, "You must have had a long journey."

"Brother Hao."

Chen Jin quickly replied, "I'll do it myself."

"It's alright, you don't need to be so polite with me."

Zhao Zihao laughed.

A battle ensued over the suitcases.

In the end, Chen Jin could not persuade Zhao Zihao otherwise and had to give him the suitcase.

"Chen Jin".

Zhang Yang stepped forward and shook hands with Chen Jin firmly, his eyes filled with appreciation and anticipation. "Welcome!"

"From now on, we are comrades-in-arms fighting side by side."

"From now on, the Shanghai team will be your home!"

Chen Jin expressed his gratitude repeatedly.

As they spoke, the four walked toward the parking lot.

Zhang Yang personally drove to the Shanghai team's training base.

"Coach Zhang, today is already the fifth."

On the way, Zhang Jiahao couldn't help but say, "There are only four days left until the start of the Chinese Table Tennis Super League. We haven't even started training yet. Isn't it a bit late?"

Prior to this, Chen Jin had also contacted Zhang Yang, wanting to return to the team ahead of schedule.

However, Zhang Yang told him to get some rest.

Therefore, it was delayed for another three days.

"rest assured."

Zhang Yang laughed and said, "Little Fatty and Xu Xin have already resumed training."

"As for Chen Jin, I trust him more."

In this Chinese Table Tennis Super League, the Shanghai team boasts three key players: Chen Jin, Fan Zhendong, and Xu Xin, giving Zhang Yang a strong sense of confidence.

"what about me?"

Zhang Jiahao leaned forward, "Are you going to play doubles with Chen Jin?"

"We'll talk about this when we get back."

Zhang Yang neither confirmed nor denied it.

Arrived at the base.

Zhang Yang originally wanted to take Chen Jin to the dormitory to rest first, but Chen Jin suggested going to the training hall first.

As soon as I stepped into the training hall.

The modern training venues and facilities are impressive.

The training environment and conditions are indeed much better than those of the S Province team.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

The intense yet crisp sound of the ball hitting the court echoed throughout the venue.

In the center of the stadium, two people were practicing in an orderly manner.

It was none other than Fan Zhendong and Xu Xin.

After the Paris Olympics, Fan Zhendong withdrew from international competitions one after another.

Prior to this, he had only participated in last year's National Championships and the Chinese Table Tennis Super League.

It has been almost half a year since he last played a match.

His current form and strength are no longer at their peak.

Therefore, he returned to the team ahead of schedule to resume training.

As for Xu Xin, he left the national team after the Tokyo Olympics.

Although he hasn't retired, he doesn't participate in many competitions.

He needs more training than Fan Zhendong.

For Xu Xin now, tactics and techniques are not the key.

The key is whether one's physical fitness can keep up with the pace of the game.

However, judging from their training, although they are only at seven or eight tenths of their peak, they are still far superior to ordinary national team players.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

The explosive sounds of the ball hitting the shuttlecock were incessant, like firecrackers being set off during the Lunar New Year.

Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao were itching to try it.

I can't wait to grab my racket and join the training session.

To the two of them, the crisp, clear sound of the ball hitting the paddle was more pleasing than a symphony.

"Chen Jin, Little Fatty, Brother Xin."

Zhao Zihao laughed, "With our Shanghai team's lineup, I can't imagine how we could lose."

Judging from his tone, the Chinese Super League table tennis championship seemed to be a sure thing.

Indeed, one is the current world number one, one is a Super Gold Slam winner, and one is a doubles Grand Slam winner. Such a luxurious lineup is absolutely unique in the world.

"Brother Zihao, what about me?"

Zhang Jiahao was somewhat dissatisfied.

"Definitely next time."

Zhao Zihao laughed and patted Zhang Jiahao on the shoulder.

"Zihao, you're too conservative."

Zhang Yang laughed and said, "With our lineup, you're still thinking about losing? Isn't this year's Table Tennis Super League championship a sure thing?"

"Zhang Jiaoyan is right; I was too hasty."

Zhao Zihao laughed.

Chen Jin listened quietly, standing to the side without interrupting.

Instead, he watched Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong's training intently.

From the backswing and power generation to the swing motion, the timing of the hit, and the application of force through the face, every detail is observed by Chen Jin.

Xu Xin and Fan Zhendong both trained under Coach Wu when they were in the national team.

Chen Jin had also watched many of the two's training videos.

However, this was the first time Chen Jin had personally been present to observe the two's training up close.

This feeling is completely different from watching the video.

You can see more details.

"Dong Ge's forehand and backhand strokes are powerful and are more suitable for close to mid-court play, while Xin Ge's topspin loops during the falling phase are more suitable for mid to long-range play."

Chen Jin watched intently, "Moreover, the two of them are standing on slightly different ground..."

at this time.

Xu Xin turned his gaze and saw Chen Jin and the others.

He immediately raised his hand, signaling to Fan Zhendong.

The two immediately stopped training, put down their rackets, picked up towels, wiped their sweat, and went to meet each other.

"Chen Jin, you really can't take a good scolding."

Xu Xin spoke first, his smile bright and cheerful, "I was just talking to Brother Dong about you, and here you are." "Brother Xin."

Chen Jin greeted him, "Brother Dong."

All three of them were once students of Coach Wu, so they can be considered fellow students.

Now, they're teammates again.

"congratulations."

Fan Zhendong smiled and gave a high five, saying, "Well done, Doha."

"Thank you, Brother Dong."

Chen Jin remained humble yet assertive, saying, "This time in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, I'll be able to fight alongside Dong Ge, and I can learn a lot from him."

His words were absolutely genuine.

Compared to Xu Xin, he and Fan Zhendong were orthodox disciples of the Wu School.

The technical characteristics are almost identical.

However, compared to Chen Jin, Fan Zhendong has a lot more technical and tactical experience and match experience.

The world only knows Fan Zhendong's Super Grand Slam, but they don't know that before that, he was also a Super Sub-Grand Slam winner.

He won runner-up titles in almost every major competition.

It was precisely these defeats that enabled him to single-handedly defend his zone at the Paris Olympics, and in the quarterfinals, when he was down 0-2, he staged a remarkable comeback against Tomokazu Harimoto, displaying incredible composure under pressure.

Chen Jin is currently enjoying smooth sailing and has yet to encounter any rivals.

However, the road ahead is still long and uncertain.

Exchanging skills and techniques with masters like Fan Zhendong is always beneficial.

"You're welcome."

Fan Zhendong's smile carried a hint of boyish shyness.

"From now on, we're all teammates."

Xu Xin laughed and said, "Don't be so polite, it's too formal."

As he spoke, he put his arm around Chen Jin's shoulder and turned to Zhang Yang, saying, "Coach Zhang, I don't care, I have to team up with Chen Jin for doubles in this Super League."

Before Zhang Yang could even speak...

Upon hearing this, Zhang Jiahao, who was standing nearby, immediately objected.

He jumped high and protested loudly, "Hey, Brother Xin, this is wrong of you."

"Jin Ge and I just won the World Table Tennis Championships men's doubles title. Shouldn't we strike while the iron is hot and have Jin Ge and I team up for the men's doubles in the Chinese Super League?"

"How could you possibly try to break up this perfect couple, me and Jin-ge? How could you bear to do that?"

Zhang Jiahao clutched his chest, feigning deep sorrow.

"Brother Hao."

Xu Xin reached out and patted Zhang Jiahao on the shoulder, saying earnestly, "You're still young. You'll have plenty of time and opportunities to team up with Chen Jin for doubles in the future."

"Look at my age, how many more years can I play?"

Do you even know what it means to respect the elderly?

Know it with reason, move it with emotion.

But Zhang Jiahao wasn't buying it at all and immediately retorted, "Brother Xin, why don't you mention Ai You?"

"nonsense!"

Xu Xin smiled and said, "Respect the elderly and cherish the young. Respect the elderly first, cherish the young second. The order cannot be reversed, understand?"

Listening to the two arguing, everyone smiled.

Even the usually composed Fan Zhendong couldn't help but interject: "The former 'Golden Left-Handed Pole' and now the world's number one penhold player, joining forces to form a doubles team, this news will absolutely cause a sensation if it gets out."

"Brother Dong has a discerning eye."

Xu Xin gave Fan Zhendong a thumbs-up and looked at Zhang Jiahao, "Did you hear that? That's true insight."

"Coach Zhang, what do you think?"

In fact, Zhang Yang had this idea before.

As the former world number one penhold player, Xu Xin was a golden partner in men's doubles.

He formed men's doubles pairs with Ma Long, Zhang Jike, and Fan Zhendong, and won many men's doubles championships.

His understanding of doubles is definitely superior to that of the then-newcomer Zhang Jiahao.

Chen Jin, as the current world's number one penhold player, has undeniable strength.

Even in doubles, it has a very high degree of compatibility.

Both players are penhold grip players, one left-handed and one right-handed. If they could be paired up in men's doubles, it would be a perfect match.

Regardless of winning or losing, the level of attention it garnered was explosive.

Think of this.

Zhang Yang slapped his thigh: "I think this combination has potential."

"See that? Three votes to one."

Xu Xin laughed and said, "Brother Hao, you can leave get out of class now."

Seeing that both Fan Zhendong and Zhang Yang supported Chen Jin and Xu Xin forming a men's doubles team, Zhang Jiahao knew he couldn't argue with them and had no choice but to reluctantly accept the result.

"Just to be on the safe side, we can test the compatibility of you two, Jin Xin and his partner."

Zhang Yang then continued.

After all, Chen Jin and Xu Xin had never partnered in men's doubles before.

It's even more unknown how well they coordinate.

What if it ends up like what happened to Ma Long and Zhang Jike back then?

According to Zhang Yang, to be on the safe side, it would be best to have a trial period.

If that doesn't work, then let Zhang Jiahao play in the men's doubles.

"Don't try."

Xu Xin, however, was brimming with confidence: "Even a fool could tell that our Jin Xin duo is absolutely invincible."

"Even if the 'Dragon and Python' combination from back then came, they would be evenly matched, if not even better."

Hear the words.

Zhang Jiahao pouted and said, "Brother Xin, I recorded it. I'll send it to Captain Long later."

"Send it, send it anywhere."

Xu Xin waved his hand and said boldly, "Even if Ma Long were here, I would still dare to say that."

"Row."

Zhang Yang laughed and said, "Since Master Xin has spoken, then it's decided."

"The Jin-Xin duo, double straight doubles... Just like Dong-ge said, if this news gets out, the traffic will explode!"

"I'll go report to the boss right away and warm things up in advance."

Just do it.

We had a brief discussion with the Table Tennis and Badminton Center.

Shortly after, the Shanghai team officially announced online that Chen Jin and Xu Xin would be partnering in the men's doubles in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League.

The news caused a huge stir.

It instantly went viral across major platforms.

The hashtag #JinXinPingSuperLeagueTableTaiwaneseTaiwaneseCombination# appeared on the trending lists of major social media platforms at an astonishing speed.

And then, they quickly reached the summit.

The entry was followed by a bright red "Explosive" character.

The trending topics section was completely buzzing.

Countless comments flooded in like a tidal wave.

"Holy crap!!! What did I just see?! Chen Jin and Xu Xin are really going to team up in the men's doubles in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League?!!!! A dream collaboration has come true!!"

"The former world's number one penhold grip player and the current world's number one penhold grip player have joined forces! This configuration is a dream come true for penhold grip enthusiasts! What's going on? I can't wait!"

"Aaaaaaah!!! My two favorite penhold grip players, one representing the tail end of my youth, and the other my future hope, are actually teaming up for men's doubles? What an amazing combination! I absolutely have to buy tickets and go support them live!!!"

"???? Chen Jin and Xu Xin? A men's doubles pair? Am I seeing things? Doubles straight doubles, the match scene must be incredibly spectacular?"

"Chen Jin and Xu Xin paired up for men's doubles? Is this for real? Oh my god, I'm getting goosebumps."

Xu Xin: Ma Long, let's not contact each other anymore. I'm afraid Chen Jin will misunderstand. Chen Jin: Zhang Jiahao, let's not contact each other anymore. I'm afraid Xu Xin will misunderstand. [Dog head emoji for protection]

"A doubles match between two penhold masters, the scene is too beautiful to watch! I can't even imagine how stylish their shots must be!"

"Didn't Chen Jin and Zhang Jiahao just win the World Table Tennis Championships men's doubles title together? Aren't they both on the Shanghai team? Why don't they continue to partner up?"

Chen Jin said: "I'm sorry, Zhang Jiahao, it's not that you're not good enough, it's just that Xu Xin is more charming."

"Zhang Jiahao is probably crying his eyes out in the bathroom right now."

"Before the start of this Chinese Table Tennis Super League, a victim has already appeared - Zhang Jiahao, hahaha."

Watching Chen Jin and Xu Xin practicing their love-filled swordplay, their flirtatious glances, and their fiery palm techniques together, Zhang Jiahao thought: So, love can disappear, right?

……

Just as netizens expected.

At that moment, Zhang Jiahao, who was in one of the eye of the storm, happened to be in the restroom of the training base.

Squatting in the cubicle, clutching toilet paper in one hand and holding a phone in the other, I scrolled through the trending topics and the heated comments.

When he saw the discussions about himself, the corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.

All of a sudden.

A sense of desolation arises spontaneously, as if one's love has been stolen away.

The more I look at it, the more heartbroken I feel.

Zhang Jiahao turned off his phone screen, looked up at the bathroom ceiling, and, moved by the moment, began to hum a soft tune.

"It never snows in the city I live in, yet my memories are filled with the feeling of coldness..."

(End of this chapter)