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

Chapter 484 Match Point Awesomeness
The moment the ball hits the ground.

"Choo-hoo!"

Chen Jin and Xu Xin turned around almost simultaneously to face each other.

High five, handshake.

He gave me a tight hug.

Xu Xin smiled broadly, feeling a sense of exhilaration.

Looking back at last year's Chinese Table Tennis Super League, where I partnered with Zhou Kai and Zhao Zihao in doubles, all I can say is... there's no harm in comparison.

Although it was their first time partnering in doubles with Chen Jin, their teamwork was flawless.

It made him feel as if he had returned to the era when the dragon and python were invincible.

In the stands.

The support banners belonging to the two were waved even more wildly.

Cheers and shouts merged into a torrent.

It erupted like a flash flood, deafeningly loud.

Many veteran fans even had tears welling up in their eyes.

I have witnessed Xu Xin's past peak and also experienced the low point of losing the gold medal in the Tokyo mixed doubles.

Now, he has teamed up with Chen Jin to form a doubles pair.

It seems that the invincible Golden Left Straight Man in doubles has returned.

at the same time.

The hashtag #JinXinCombination# has already topped the trending search list.

The race had just ended when the climb began rapidly, and the summit was reached in no time.

The comments section was even more lively.

"It still has to be the penhold grip, the skills are amazing, double penhold doubles the fun, and the entertainment value is off the charts."

"After this match, the post-match drug tests showed that Chen Jin was slutty, but Xu Xin was even more slutty."

"Is Xu Xin's 'Horse Treading on a Flying Swallow' save even possible for a human?"

"Chen Jin is as violent as ever, and with Chen Jin backing him up, Xu Xin can fight even more freely."

"Returning after ten years, still the golden left straight! @Xu Xin"

"With such excellent teamwork and dominance on the court, Xu Xin could definitely team up with Chen Jin in doubles and return to the international arena, right?"
"Is it possible? The real strength lies with Chen Jin. Without Chen Jin's backing, Xu Xin wouldn't be able to pull off a successful performance even if he wanted to."

"The only person injured on the entire internet—Zhang Jiahao. Hahaha, the camera pans across the sidelines and you see Zhang Jiahao clapping expressionlessly, giving off a Minotaur-like vibe. It's hilarious."

Zhang Jiahao's inner monologue: It's supposed to be a movie for three people, but I can't even have a name... This bench is so cold and lonely.

……

The commotion at the scene had not yet completely subsided.

The atmosphere for preparing for the second match has already quietly taken shape.

Fan Zhendong vs. Xie Mingyang.

Once upon a time, Xie Mingyang was also a member of the Shanghai team.

Last year in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, I was teammates with Fan Zhendong and fought side by side.

Moreover, when he was with the Shanghai team, he received guidance from Fan Zhendong on the training field.

However, the professional arena is ever-changing.

Now, the two are each serving their own masters.

Wearing different uniforms and standing at opposite ends of the table, they have become opponents.

Only by giving it our all can we show the greatest respect for each other and for the competition.

Courtside.

Fan Zhendong stretched his wrists and ankles, glancing calmly at the table tennis table.

Having not participated in a formal competition for a long time, my body felt a strange stiffness.

He knew that he was not yet at his best.

Only through competition can one truly unleash their potential.

And the other side.

Xie Mingyang's eyes were even sharper, and his fighting spirit was high.

Although they had never faced each other on the field, he knew all too well how strong Fan Zhendong was.

That's why he knew even more clearly that this match might be the best opportunity to defeat this legend.

Game start.

As everyone expected, the game started with a fierce battle.

However, the process took a turn for the worse than most people expected.

Xie Mingyang came out without holding back.

To maximize one's speed, strength, and fighting tactics.

A fierce forehand, a ruthless backhand.

Serve and attack aggressively, move the ball to different positions.

He seemed to be in a state of high excitement.

In contrast, Fan Zhendong seemed to walk with a heavy step and his movements were somewhat hesitant.

Faced with Xie Mingyang's fierce attacks, they mostly played defense.

The quality of the return shot was not ideal.

Xie Mingyang repeatedly seized the opportunity from a wide angle.

At the start of the game, Fan Zhendong was defeated by Xie Mingyang in a staggering 0-6 defeat.

"Depend on!"

Zhang Jiahao couldn't help but exclaim in disbelief, "When did that Xie guy become so fierce?"

"It's not Lao Xie Meng."

Chen Jin crossed his arms, his eyes fixed on the arena, and said, "It's because Dong Ge hasn't found his form yet."

It is clear that Fan Zhendong is not inferior in skill.

Instead, he was adapting to Xie Mingyang's playing style and rhythm, while also reawakening his dormant competitive instincts.

After all, this was the first time the two had faced off in an official match.

Both teams were testing each other in the first game.

Subsequently, Fan Zhendong scored two points.

However, Xie Mingyang, who was in red-hot form, did not give him any chance to catch his breath.

Take control of the game with faster transitions and bolder shot placement.

11: 4.

Xie Mingyang won the first game decisively.

Break between games.

Zhang Yang analyzed tactics and techniques for Fan Zhendong.

Fan Zhendong listened quietly while wiping his sweat.

Chen Jin stood beside Zhang Yang without saying a word.

Second game.

By varying his serves, strengthening the connection between his forehand and backhand, and protecting his forehand at wide angles, Fan Zhendong gradually regained some of his form.

The score was no longer as lopsided as in the first game, and the two sides became locked in a close battle.

However, Xie Mingyang's hot streak continues.

They act decisively and fight fiercely.

They maintained their lead throughout the game.

11: 8.

Xie Mingyang won another game.

The score is 2-0.

They only need to win one more game to defeat Fan Zhendong and level the score for Shandong Luneng.

"Dong Ge hasn't played a game in a long time, and his skills are a bit rusty."

"Xie Mingyang is also one of the best players in the Chinese national table tennis team. He is very strong. At the World Table Tennis Championships, he almost upset Hugo."

"Fan Zhendong, keep it up!"

……

Supporters of the Shanghai team, especially fans of Fan Zhendong, were on tenterhooks.

"It's okay, just go all out."

Coach Zhang Yang patted Fan Zhendong on the shoulder, "Just think of it as getting a feel for the game."

Chen Jin, standing to the side, remained silent.

When Fan Zhendong came on stage.

Zhang Jiahao couldn't help but lean closer to Chen Jin and ask in a low voice, "Brother Jin, why aren't you saying anything?"

In his opinion, no one understands Xie Mingyang's weaknesses better than Chen Jin.

If he had stepped forward and said a few words, he might have already helped Fan Zhendong find a way out of the predicament.

"You underestimate Dong Ge's ability to read the game."

Chen Jin shook his head slightly and said in a low voice, "Dong Ge should have solved Lao Xie's problem pretty well."

"Old Xie is probably going to be out of action for the next game."

Unsurprisingly.

The second game had just begun.

On the field, the situation suddenly changed.

Fan Zhendong's eyes clearly changed.

It was as if an ancient beast had suddenly awakened from its slumber.

He exuded a terrifying aura that sent shivers down one's spine.

Instead of passively responding to Xie Mingyang's fierce attacks, they turned defense into offense.

Every shot, every ball, carries fierce power and intense spin, creating an overwhelming sense of pressure.

Whether forehand or backhand, the quality was so high that it was like a cannonball, forcing Xie Mingyang to rely on constantly retreating from the table to deflect the force and try to defend and counterattack.

However, once they step down from the stage, they fall into a complete disadvantage.

He was met with Fan Zhendong's fierce, violent, and relentless attacks.

Although Xie Mingyang also had some good performances, the rhythm of the game was always controlled by Fan Zhendong.

11: 5.

Fan Zhendong won a point.

In this round, Fan Zhendong's sudden change of tactics caught Xie Mingyang off guard.

Back on the sidelines.

The Shandong Luneng coach even looked suspiciously in the direction of the Shanghai team and asked Xie Mingyang, "Did Chen Jin give Fan Zhendong some advice?"

Compared to the first two games, Fan Zhendong seemed like a completely different person.

They beat Xie Mingyang so badly he was completely disoriented.

"No." Xie Mingyang wiped his sweat with a towel and shook his head. "That's Fan Zhendong, why would he need someone else's advice?"

As an opponent, he felt it most deeply on the field.

Fan Zhendong's tactics and techniques have not fundamentally changed.

However, the quality of the shots, the timing of the shots, the speed of the transitions, and the variation in the landing points were all significantly improved compared to the first two games.

Such changes are a result of self-adjustment based on strong strength and competitive wisdom.

Instead of relying on advice from others.

"Dong Ge has gained momentum, and the upcoming matches will be quite difficult."

Xie Mingyang pondered to himself.

However, he was not afraid at all; on the contrary, he was even more excited.

The brave wins when we meet on a narrow road.

When facing a strong opponent, the only option is to draw your sword!

If you are cowardly, you will be defeated before the battle even begins.

The fourth game.

Fan Zhendong's shots were of consistently high quality, with almost every shot being powerful.

Moreover, each board is heavier than the last.

This relentless, forceful style of play is somewhat similar to Chen Jin's.

"No wonder they were trained by the same coach."

Xie Mingyang sighed inwardly.

Having learned from his mistakes, he quickly adjusted his strategy in response to Fan Zhendong's high-quality shots.

Instead of confronting each other head-on, we will take the initiative to back down by half a step.

Being in the middle allows one to deflect pressure and avoid being too passive.

Using their speed advantage, they withstood Fan Zhendong's heavy attacks.

Use the opponent's force against them, control the landing point, seize the opportunity, and launch a counterattack.

Thanks to his experience training with Chen Jin over the past six months, Xie Mingyang has gained considerable insights into this style of play that relies on power from every shot.

In the last game, I was stunned by the sudden improvement in quality.

In this game, he was even more patient.

As it turns out, effective tactics can indeed compensate for some of the gap in hard power.

The score was extremely close, with the score fluctuating back and forth until it reached 10-10.

crucial moment.

Xie Mingyang's serve and attack were rushed, resulting in an distorted movement and a lost point.

Immediately, during his serve, Fan Zhendong didn't rush to finish the shot with a single stroke.

He and Xie Mingyang engaged in a long stalemate.

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

"Snapped!"

……

Two figures ran across the entire stage.

A contest of power placement, a battle of footwork.

In the end, Fan Zhendong broke through Xie Mingyang's defense with a powerful backhand smash.

12: 10.

Fan Zhendong won another victory.

The score is 2-2.

"Wow—"

When Fan Zhendong equalized the score, the entire stadium erupted in cheers.

"Your match point isn't the match point; my match point is the real match point—Dong Ge is awesome!"

"Look at what match point is all about... Of course, don't ask why the opponent got match point first."

"Go Dong Ge, come back from 0-2 down to win 3-2!"

Zhang Jiahao sat on the sidelines, letting out a long breath, his palms sweating profusely: "So close..."

"It may seem like it's only slightly worse, but it's actually much worse."

Chen Jin said, "We still need to practice more."

Facing an opponent of Fan Zhendong's caliber, especially under immense psychological pressure from a large lead being frantically chased down, Xie Mingyang's mentality clearly showed fluctuations that even he himself was unaware of.

That final misfire is proof of that.

This small difference can often be decisive in top-level matches.

The match was dragged into a deciding game.

Knowing this was his last chance, Xie Mingyang was not discouraged and intensified his fighting efforts.

5: 2.

They once again gained a good lead at the start.

After exchanging venues.

Fan Zhendong, however, demonstrated his absolute defensive capabilities, which were hailed as the "wall of the empire," and withstood Xie Mingyang's relentless attacks.

And, take the opportunity to retaliate.

Step by step, point by point, they tied the score and then took the lead.

Followed by.

The competition has entered a truly heated phase.

Every point felt like dancing on a knife's edge.

The tense situation left the fans at the scene almost breathless.

8: 9.

Fan Zhendong is one point behind.

Facing Xie Mingyang's short, no-spin forehand ball, Fan Zhendong stepped forward and flicked the ball up.

But the opponent countered with a straight shot.

Fan Zhendong took a big step, lunged forward with his forehand, and powerfully countered with a topspin.

"Snapped!"

The white ball, like a cannonball, hurtled towards Xie Mingyang's forehand side in the middle.

Xie Mingyang remained calm and moved quickly to seize the landing point, then used his forehand to block another straight shot.

Between the electric light and flint.

Fan Zhendong pushed off with his foot and returned to defend the left half of the platform.

With powerful core strength and feel, he can backhand the corner even when out of position.

"Snapped!"

A strange arc drew across the table, heading straight for Xie Mingyang's backhand corner.

Xie Mingyang was caught off guard and his defense was a little slow to recover.

9: 9.

The next two balls are Fan Zhendong's serve.

Fan Zhendong gave Xie Mingyang no further chances.

A serve and a quick attack secured the match point.

Then came another long backhand rally, where he used his absolute strength to break through Xie Mingyang's backhand defense.

They scored two points in a row.

11: 9.

The score is 3-2.

Come back from 2-0 down to 3-0!

Incredible comeback!

"We won!!!"

The fans in the stadium cheered and jumped for joy.

Fan Zhendong was covered in sweat and clenched his fists.

At that moment, Xie Mingyang on the court fully felt the terror of this Grand Slam winner.

To know.

Fan Zhendong has not participated in international competitions for more than half a year, and his systematic training has been intermittent.

However, his strength, adaptability, and composure remain so formidable that they inspire despair.

With a warm smile on his face, Fan Zhendong walked to the net and shook hands with Xie Mingyang.

"You've improved a lot in the past six months."

Fan Zhendong smiled slightly at Xie Mingyang.

"Compared to you, Brother Dong, I'm still far behind."

Xie Mingyang said.

"Don't worry."

Fan Zhendong patted him on the back, "The future belongs to you."

The third match.

Chen Jin vs. Xu Yingbin.

Compared to Fan Zhendong's thrilling comeback victory, this match seemed uneventful.

However, it also has its own unique flavor.

Amidst the cheers of the fans, Chen Jin played cleanly and decisively, with a clear rhythm.

The entire match lasted only eighteen minutes.

Chen Jin then defeated Xu Yingbin with a score of 3-0, securing the final point that laid the foundation for the victory for the Shanghai team.

With this, the Shanghai team achieved a winning start in this Chinese Table Tennis Super League.

competition is over.

The mixed zone was already packed with reporters.

One of the focal points is naturally the "Jin Xin combination".

"Xu Xin, first of all, congratulations to the Shanghai team for winning their opening match in the Chinese Table Tennis Super League."

A reporter asked, "This is also your first time partnering with Chen Jin in doubles. How does it feel?"

"It feels great, it makes me look at least ten years younger."

Xu Xin smiled brightly, his tone relaxed, yet with his unique humor, "Chen Jin is sixteen, and I'm thirty-five. Our average age is just over twenty, which is our prime."

"Although it was my first time playing doubles with Chen Jin, I felt very grounded and we had great teamwork."

"Honestly, after today's match, I think I might consider making a comeback and partnering with Chen Jin in doubles. Maybe we can even compete for the men's doubles gold medal at the Los Angeles Olympics, hahaha..."

(End of this chapter)