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

Chapter 483 Jin Xin and his partner's debut in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League!

The morning light is slightly dew.

The Shanghai team departed from their hotel by bus and headed to the Xiong'an Sports Center for a training session to familiarize themselves with the venue.

The atmosphere inside the carriage was rather quiet.

The atmosphere at the training base was no longer filled with playful banter, but rather with focused concentration before the major competition.

Most of the players and coaches were wearing headphones.

Some closed their eyes to rest, while others yawned incessantly.

Chen Jin sat by the window, quietly watching the scenery rushing past outside.

The racket lay quietly inside the backpack.

Like a lurking beast, waiting for the gates of the arena to open so it can roar out.

Zhang Jiahao sat next to him, unusually quiet.

My fingers swipe rapidly across the phone screen, browsing various news and predictions about the Chinese Table Tennis Super League.

Everywhere you look, there are comments like "Shanghai team is a super team" and "the table tennis champion is a sure thing".

The lineup for the Shanghai team in this Chinese Table Tennis Super League has been finalized.

Doubles: Chen Jin/Xu Xin.

First order: Fan Zhendong.

Second single: Chen Jin.

Third single: Xu Xin.

Zhang Jiahao, on the other hand, only managed to secure a substitute position.

After all, Xu Xin is already a veteran in his thirties, and he has neglected training in his daily life, so physical fitness is a big problem.

If Xu Xin's physical condition fails, Zhang Jiahao can take his place.

He plays both doubles and singles.

Zhang Jiahao was resistant to this arrangement: "A world table tennis doubles champion, who just returned with a gold medal, can only be relegated to a substitute."

However, no matter how dissatisfied he was, he had no choice but to obey.

"What Jin Xin duo? It's like they've changed genders."

Zhang Jiahao glanced at Xu Xin sitting in the front row with his arms crossed and his eyes closed, and couldn't help but purse his lips, muttering to himself, "Nothing sounds as imposing as my and Brother Jin's golden armor combination."

"Ok?"

Xu Xin seemed to sense something and suddenly opened his eyes.

She turned her head and looked at Zhang Jiahao.

Startled, Zhang Jiahao quickly looked away.

At this moment, Fan Zhendong, who was also sitting in the front row, was gently moving his wrists and ankles.

The long break from competition made his desire for official matches stronger than anyone else's.

He also knew that the outside world's doubts about whether his "performance had declined" never stopped.

Some people were even waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

He needs to respond with a series of victories.

Head coach Zhang Yang sat with Zhao Zihao, Zhou Kai, and others, discussing some match details and contingency plans in hushed tones.

Shortly after.

Arrived at Xiong'an Sports Center.

The interior of the venue is spacious and bright.

Bright lights shone on the dark blue floor, reflecting a cold luster.

The pool tables were neatly arranged, and the air was filled with the smell of new equipment.

Everyone took out their rackets and began warming up.

Soon, the sound of balls being struck began to echo throughout the stadium.

Chen Jin and Xu Xin were chatting and laughing as they walked to a pool table.

Despite only having two days of training to adapt to each other, there seemed to be an unspoken understanding between the two.

Xu Xin's experience and overall perspective, combined with Chen Jin's sharp playing style, made their training session look more like that of long-time friends than a first-time pairing.

Moreover, both of them use penhold grip.

He has a particular understanding of the playing style and tactics of penhold grip players.

It was as if we were telepathically connected.

This completely dispelled Zhang Yang's previous worries.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

With Zhang Jiahao and Zhou Kai temporarily paired up as sparring partners, Chen Jin and Xu Xin moved back and forth on the other end of the table tennis table.

Controlling the table, launching aggressive attacks in the first three shots, quick drives and splits in the mid-to-close range, counter-attacks and rallies in the mid-to-long range... the two players cooperated seamlessly, like fish in water.

Zhang Jiahao felt a pang of jealousy upon seeing this.

This feeling is like your beloved girlfriend dancing with someone else.

The key point is that the two of them are incredibly in sync.

How could anyone not be jealous?
"Could it be because I've been watching too many NTR (Netorare) videos lately?"

Zhang Jiahao felt frustrated. "This perspective is a bit off."

Just as everyone was training in full swing.

Zhang Yang walked over quickly, carrying several newly printed match schedules for the first game.

"Little Fatty, Chen Jin, Uncle Xin, come and take a look."

Zhang Yang called out loudly.

The voice just fell.

Chen Jin and his group then surrounded them.

"Shandong Luneng's lineup for tomorrow is pretty much what we expected."

Zhang Yang laughed.

I took a look at the match schedule.

Match 1: Doubles - Chen Jin/Xu Xin vs. Xu Yingbin/Yuan Licen.

Second match: Singles - Fan Zhendong vs. Xie Mingyang.

Third match: Singles - Chen Jin vs. Xu Yingbin.

Fourth match: Singles - Xu Xin vs. Yuan Licen.

Fifth match: Singles - Fan Zhendong vs. Xu Yingbin.

"Oh my god."

Zhang Jiahao's eyes widened in astonishment. "Someone surnamed Xie actually joined Shandong Luneng? And he's even playing singles?"

"how?"

Chen Jin glanced at him. "Don't you know?"

"I'm a hen."

Zhang Jiahao shrugged and said, "I thought the guy surnamed Xie went to Weiqiao and was on the same team as Wang Chuqin and the others."

After all, Weiqiao's lineup is no less impressive than Shanghai's.

Not only does it boast two mainstays of the Chinese national table tennis team, Wang Chuqin and Liang Jingkun, but it also has three top players: Huang Youzheng, Zhou Qihao, and Yu Ziyang.

In addition, Weiqiao team also brought in Lin Yun-ju as a foreign player.

Their strength makes them a favorite to win the championship.

As for Shandong Luneng, their strength has been significantly weakened without Ma Long.

However, it should not be underestimated.

"Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen are both players on the same team. They have a certain impact when playing doubles, but in terms of hard skills and experience, they are definitely not as good as you."

Zhang Yang looked at Chen Jin and Xu Xin, "Show the determination that the first battle is the decisive battle, and be sure to show the spirit of our Shanghai team!"

"rest assured."

Xu Xin patted his chest and said, "Either they beat us 3-0, or we beat them 0-3. We refuse to be slaves and will never work overtime."

"it is good."

Zhang Yang nodded, "I have confidence in your group."

Even if Xu Xin's physical strength is insufficient and his condition declines, with Chen Jin supporting him, nothing unexpected will happen.

Then, he turned his attention to Fan Zhendong.

“When Xie Mingyang was with our Shanghai team, we could tell he was very talented.”

Zhang Yang said, "After more than half a year in the national team, with high-intensity training and the experience of many international competitions, I am now completely different from before."

"Little Fatty, you need to be prepared for difficulties."

Judging from Xie Mingyang's performance in his previous matches, his strength should not be underestimated.

Moreover, Fan Zhendong hasn't played a match in almost half a year.

The intensity of the pre-match recovery training was not as high as when I was with the national team.

Zhang Yang worried that if Fan Zhendong was no match for Xie Mingyang, he would likely face a lot of criticism.

"I see."

Fan Zhendong nodded.

As a young player from Wushi Rank, he had long been prepared for everything.

Even if we lose, so what?
Who says Fan Zhendong can't lose a game?

……

The next day.

6 month 9 day.

Eleven o'clock in the morning.

Xiong'an Sports Center.

The place was bustling with noise and colorful flags were fluttering in the breeze.

A huge logo of the Chinese Table Tennis Super League is hung in the center of the field.

The stands were packed.

Fans from each team waved banners and support signs.

Cheers and shouts rose and fell, deafeningly loud.

In the center of the playing field, there are four pool tables.

This means that four matches will be played simultaneously.

The atmosphere at the event was completely different from that at WTT and the World Table Tennis Championships.

Table number three.

The players and coaches of the Shanghai team and the Shandong Luneng team entered the field.

The audience immediately went wild.

"Fan Zhendong—"

"come on!"

……

"Chen Jin—"

"come on!" ……

"Xu Xin—"

"come on!"

……

The enormous cheers were so powerful and overwhelming that they almost lifted the roof off the stadium.

Zhang Jiahao picked at his ear and looked around: "Where are my fans? Why isn't anyone cheering for me?"

"Even if I'm just a substitute, does that mean I don't deserve to cheer?"

Game 1.

doubles.

Chen Jin/Xu Xin vs. Xu Yingbin/Yuan Licen.

Chen Jin and Xu Xin, dressed in the Shanghai team's uniforms, stood side by side, stretching their arms and legs while listening to Zhang Yang's pre-match tactical instructions.

the other side.

The head coach of Shandong Luneng was also discussing tactics with Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen.

"I know Chen Jin is very strong. He just won the World Championships singles and doubles gold medals. He is indeed not easy to deal with, but don't be afraid. Let's fight him. We have nothing to lose."

The Shandong Luneng coach looked serious. "Moreover, although Xu Xin used to be a doubles god, he hasn't trained for a long time. His pairing with Chen Jin is also a last-minute effort, so there will definitely be problems with their coordination."

"Let's focus on Xu Xin and take down this tough nut."

"Are you confident?"

Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen said in unison, "Yes."

"very good."

The Shandong Luneng coach encouraged him, "Keep it up!"

Chen Jin and Xu Xin walked onto the field while talking in hushed tones.

Their steps were synchronized, and their teamwork was impeccable.

It's as if it reminds one of the dragon and python of yesteryear.

All of a sudden.

The entire venue was shaken.

"Go Jin Xin duo!"

The sound was like a tide.

Several days ago, the Shanghai team announced that Chen Jin and Xu Xin would be playing doubles together, which immediately caused a huge sensation online.

Now, this highly anticipated new combination is finally going to unveil its mystery in the official competition. How can people not go crazy?
Even the teams competing nearby attracted attention.

I want to see for myself what kind of sparks this incredibly popular duo, Jin Xin and his partner, can create.

After a simple warm-up exercise.

The referee signaled that the match had begun.

First game, 0:0.

Chen Jin and Xu Xin stood on the left and right respectively.

Holding the ping-pong ball, Xu Xin glanced down at the hand gestures Chen Jin was making from below the table and understood.

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

Xu Xin served first.

"laugh!"

Diagonal, forehand short.

Xu Yingbin took a step forward, intending to lightly swing and control the short distance.

Unexpectedly, Xu Xin's first serve was non-spinning.

The return shot bounces high.

"Oops!"

Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen both felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.

He hurriedly moved to cover for his opponent.

However, Yuan Licen had just reached the center line and hadn't even taken her position yet.

"Snapped!"

It was like a thunderclap.

Chen Jin acted ruthlessly, leaping forward and delivering a powerful strike.

The force was so great and the speed so fast that only a blur remained.

Before Yuan Licen could react, the ball, like lightning, crashed onto the left side of the table.

1: 0.

"nice shot!"

On the sidelines, Zhang Yang, Fan Zhendong, Zhang Jiahao, and others cheered loudly and stood up to applaud.

The fans in the stands were even more excited and cheered.

Second serve.

Xu Xin tossed the ball high to prepare for the shot.

The landing point was also short, similar to Xu Yingbin's forehand.

However, this time the rotation was to the side and downwards.

Xu Yingbin dared not make a hasty attack and remained cautious in his short-range attacks.

Chen Jin returned to the middle lane.

Yuan Licen made a short statement.

Xu Xin didn't tolerate it and turned his wrist.

"laugh!"

Twist with your forehand!
Knowing that the ball had an unusual spin, Xu Yingbin dared not be careless. He bent down and sliced ​​the ball from below the table.

The small white ball floated lightly onto the stage.

Chen Jin moved with lightning speed, seizing the landing point.

Extend your right arm and engage your core.

"Snapped!"

He unleashed a powerful forehand smash.

The ping-pong ball, carrying an unparalleled force and spin, hurtled towards the opponent's right side of the table.

"I go!"

Yuan Licen wanted to counter with a backhand.

boom!
next second.

The originally light and small ping-pong ball crashed hard onto the table, like a shot put.

Yuan Licen felt a jolt in his hand.

A powerful force instantly pierced through his racket.

It can't be held down!
It's impossible to hold it down!
The ball went out of bounds.

0: 2.

Yuan Licen gasped.

I'd heard long ago that Chen Jin's explosive charge was almost unstoppable.

Moreover, this was a doubles match, and Chen Jin clearly held back a bit to coordinate with Xu Xin.

Having never fought him before, Yuan Licen was still somewhat skeptical.

But now he knows that it truly lives up to its reputation.

Next game.

They almost completely fell into Chen Jin and Xu Xin's rhythm.

Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen are not weak.

Both players have excellent snowboard quality and rallies.

Unfortunately, compared to Chen Jin and Xu Xin's fluid and seamless teamwork, they were still far behind.

Chen Jin's forehand and backhand, whether it's control at the table, speed connection between mid-to-close range, or rallies at mid-to-long range, have no obvious weaknesses.

Backhand flick, forehand smash, two powerful attacks, a relentless barrage.

Xu Xin is still as sharp as ever.

Although he no longer possesses the explosive power of his youth, he has focused more on control, rhythm, and placement.

He wields various small techniques such as hooking, twisting, cutting, and slicing with unparalleled skill.

They have repeatedly turned seemingly impossible and passive situations into opportunities.

They even switched from defense to offense.

In particular, his classic "Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow" save was showcased once again during a defensive play.

A godlike reaction, a terrifying core, an exaggerated arc... Although it didn't kill in one hit, it was a classic performance, full of amazing touches, making the whole audience boil with excitement.

This is not just playing ball, it's an art!
Veteran fans seemed to see the figure of the "golden left straight man" from back then, overlapping with the composed veteran in front of them, and couldn't help but shed tears.

Even more terrifying.

The rotation between Chen Jin and Xu Xin was so smooth that it was a pleasure to watch.

There was almost no communication delay; it was as if they were telepathically connected.

11: 5.

Chen Jin and Xu Xin easily won the first game.

Break between games.

Zhang Yang was very satisfied with the two's performance.

He knew that with Chen Jin and Xu Xin's teamwork and experience, there was no need for him to give instructions.

Therefore, he simply instructed: "Hold on, and watch out for their fighting."

All other tactics and strategies were left for Chen Jin and Xu Xin to discuss and devise themselves.

Second round.

Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen tried to adjust their strategy and indeed strengthened their serve and attack.

However, the results were minimal.

Another 11-5 score.

Jin Xin and his partner have won another game.

The third round.

With their backs against the wall, Xu Yingbin and Yuan Licen decided to go all out.

They took an early 3-1 lead.

However, Chen Jin and Xu Xin remained completely unperturbed.

A long-range rally that resulted in a point brought the atmosphere to a climax.

Chen Jin and Xu Xin also launched a furious comeback.

finally.

The score was 11-4.

The score is 3-0.

The Jin-Xin duo swept their opponents effortlessly, securing the first victory for the Shanghai team.

(End of this chapter)