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

Chapter 490 What is Tactics? Using our strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses!

5: 11.

5: 11.

3: 11.

The score is 0-3.

Staring at the cold numbers on the electronic scoreboard, Perret gripped his racket, one hand on his hip, and stood frozen in place, as if under a spell.

He was breathing heavily, his chest heaving violently.

He was covered in sweat and looked dejected.

The confidence he had before the match has now vanished.

His claim that "I can beat Chen Jin" is pure fantasy and delusion.

In the three games, Porett, with his passion and courage, used all his skills to try to pull Chen Jin off his undefeated pedestal.

But as it turned out, he was overthinking it.

As soon as he clashed with Chen Jin, he felt the terror of Chen Jin.

Chen Jin's ball—power, spin, speed, landing point…every aspect seems to be meticulously calculated.

No matter how frantically he attacked or how he changed his rhythm, everything was under Chen Jin's control, and he neutralized all of Chen Jin's famous offensive techniques.

Moreover, the moment he relaxed his guard, Chen Jin would seize the opportunity and deliver a fatal blow.

As a result, his prized forehand topspin was easily countered by Chen Jin.

Chen Jin countered with a straight-line smash, despite Chen Jin's aggressive backhand attack.

When he tried to use speed to mobilize the entire team, he found that Chen Jin's steps were like a ghost, always arriving in time ahead of schedule.

He wanted to change the rhythm, but Chen Jin's precise control left him powerless.

From basic skills to tactics, from momentum to mentality, Chen Jin completely overwhelmed his opponent.

Defense is like a wall of sighs, offense is like the sword of God.

For Perret, this was a complete and utter defeat!

In his first Grand Slam appearance, he was given a harsh lesson by Chen Jin in the first round.

This completely shattered his dream of becoming a rising star in European table tennis.

"He's too strong!"

After a long silence, Perret finally managed to squeeze out a few words from his dry throat, "I can't beat them! I really can't beat them—"

the other side.

Chen Jin stepped forward and shook hands with Perret.

His breathing was steady, and there was only a thin layer of sweat on his forehead.

It was as if what had just ended was merely a low-intensity warm-up.

This kind of victory, which lacked challenge, was like drinking a glass of lukewarm water, failing to stir even a ripple in his heart.

He shook hands with the referee and the opposing coach.

Chen Jin was seen walking towards the sidelines, holding a towel in one hand and a racket upside down in the other.

His posture was like that of a peerless swordsman, who, with a hint of dejection, sheathed his blood-stained sword.

Perret seemed to see a hint of invincible loneliness in him.

Back on the sidelines.

Wang Hao was already standing there, and he reached out and patted Chen Jin on the shoulder.

This match was unremarkable.

There's no difference from before.

Even Wang Hao didn't know how to review the situation.

"A fierce battle is scheduled for tomorrow at noon?"

Wang Hao asked.

"Correct."

Chen Jin took the water bottle, took a small sip, and nodded, saying, "Mixed doubles, the opponents are Matsushima Teruaki and Harimoto Miwa."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hao's pupils shrank: "Thank you for your hard work in winning this Grand Slam."

Matsushima Teruaki and Harimoto Miwa are undoubtedly two of the most talented rising stars in Japanese table tennis in recent years.

The two started playing mixed doubles together several years ago and have a high level of understanding.

In 2021, they also won the mixed doubles title at the U15 World Youth Championships.

After that, the two achieved good results in mixed doubles, whether in WTT or the World Table Tennis Championships.

Their strength makes them one of the key reserves for the Japanese team in the mixed doubles event during the Los Angeles Olympic cycle.

In this US Grand Slam, the two are also the fourth seeds in mixed doubles.

In contrast.

The pairing of Chen Jin and Ye Sijia was incredibly short-lived.

He had virtually no experience in major competitions.

Although the first round of the competition was relatively easy.

However, facing such a well-coordinated and highly impactful Japanese team, winning will be by no means easy.

The Japanese team was equally confident and determined to win.

Seiya Kishikawa summoned Teruaki Matsushima and Miwa Harimoto to discuss tactics and give a pre-match pep talk.

"Matsushima-kun, Miwa-chan."

Seiya Kishikawa's face was filled with barely suppressed excitement and joy. "Listen, this mixed doubles competition is our best chance to defeat Chen Jin!"

"Chen Jin's singles game is indeed impeccable."

"The men's doubles team that Zhang Jiahao partners with is also very strong."

"However, Chen Jin and Ye Sijia did not play mixed doubles together for very long."

"Before this, there was only one other time, which was at last year's World Junior Championships."

"I watched their mixed doubles match at the World Junior Championships. Their teamwork wasn't great. They won because of their individual skills."

"The two of them were definitely put in a rush for this Grand Slam tournament, and their teamwork was still a bit rusty."

"You can see that from yesterday's game."

"Therefore, tomorrow's match is the perfect opportunity for us to break Chen Jin's undefeated streak!"

In today's world of table tennis, Chen Jin's undefeated record has become a legendary existence.

Players and fans alike are speculating when Chen Jin will lose a match and end his winning streak.

Moreover, they were all eyeing Chen Jin's first defeat with great interest.

To many people, Chen Jin is like a big boss.

Defeating him will grant you unimaginable experience and glory.

Therefore, there are quite a few people who covet it.

Moreover, the Japanese team has always considered it their mission to defeat the Chinese national table tennis team.

As the head coach of the Japanese team, Seiya Kishikawa is always thinking about defeating Chen Jin.

In this way, it can be considered a meritorious achievement.

Listen quietly to Kishikawa Seiya's analysis and encouragement.

Hayato Togami and Hiroto Shinozuka, who were sitting next to each other, exchanged a glance.

They saw a strange look in each other's eyes.

"Why does what Coach Kishikawa said sound so familiar?"

Togami Hayabusa couldn't help but mutter to himself.

……

at the same time.

Inside a room at the MGM Hotel.

The warm glow of the overhead light shone down on a bald head, making it shine even brighter.

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia sat side by side, looking at the person in front of them with serious expressions.

Because tomorrow's opponent is the Japanese team.

The coaching staff dared not slack off in the slightest.

Therefore, Xiao Zhan, the head coach of the mixed doubles team, was sent to personally lead the team as an off-court coach for Chen Jin and Ye Sijia.

"In terms of teamwork and experience in major competitions, we are currently no match for the Matsushima Teruaki and Harimoto Miwa pair."

Xiao Zhan got straight to the point, making no attempt to downplay their team's weaknesses: "Therefore, conventional tactics definitely won't work; we must find a way to come up with unconventional solutions!"

"Chen Jin, what are your thoughts?"

As he spoke, Xiao Zhan turned his gaze to Chen Jin.

Although he is currently in charge of the mixed doubles event in the Chinese national table tennis team.

However, I am still paying attention to the men's singles.

Moreover, in less than a year, Chen Jin became the world's most feared figure in table tennis.

He is far more terrifying than his once proud disciple.

How could it not attract his attention?
Now, I finally have the opportunity to mentor Chen Jin.

Xiao Zhan was interested in seeing what made Chen Jin so special.

"The Japanese team must know that our teamwork is still a bit lacking, and they want to take advantage of our unfamiliarity to catch us off guard."

Chen Jin pondered for a moment and said, "However, the partnership between Matsushima Teru and Harimoto Miwa may not be a monolithic entity, impenetrable to any resistance."

"Oh?"

Xiao Zhan immediately became interested. "How so?"

"Matsushima Teruaki and Harimoto Miwa have partnered many times, so they definitely have a good understanding of each other."

Chen Jin continued, "But Matsushima Teruzo is talented, but on the field he has a spoiled attitude and his emotions fluctuate greatly."

"When you're ahead, you play smoothly, but once you fall behind or are targeted repeatedly, it's easy to lose your composure and even tank the game."

"Therefore, I think one of our core tactics for tomorrow is to keep a close eye on Matsushima Teru, and relentlessly attack him."

"From the start of the serve and receive, try to get the ball to his position, especially making him handle balls that require him to make big runs. Use continuous pressure and points to break his mentality!"

The words are not finished yet.

Xiao Zhan smiled and nodded repeatedly.

Without a doubt, Chen Jin's ideas coincided with his own and resonated deeply with him.

"That's right!"

Xiao Zhan clapped his hands heavily, his eyes full of praise, "Strike the snake at its vital point, and Matsushima Teruhira is the vital point of the Japanese mixed doubles team."

"What is tactics? It is using our strengths to attack the enemy's weaknesses."

"Teamwork is our weakness, so if we try to out-team them, we're bound to lose."

"We must play to our strengths."

"What is our strength? Individual ability!"

"Whether it's Chen Jin or Ye Sijia, your individual abilities are both superior to your opponents."

"So, in tomorrow's match, apart from psychological tactics, we'll have to compete with them on individual ability."

Hear this.

Ye Sijia frowned slightly, somewhat puzzled: "Coach Xiao, how do you compete on individual skill in doubles?" "It's simple, it's about serving and attacking together."

Xiao Zhan's lips curled slightly upward, his eyes gleaming with wisdom. He simplified the approach, avoiding overly complex tactical maneuvers.

"By leveraging Chen Jinchao's superior single-board quality and your ability to get started, we can solve the problem within the first three boards."

"Especially you, Ye Sijia, your serves need to be varied, with and without spin, combining long and short serves to create opportunities for Chen Jin to launch a counterattack."

"At the same time, in the receiving phase, we need to be more decisive. If we can topspin, we should topspin; if we can flick, we should flick. We need to set the pace and disrupt their usual rhythm."

"We need to break down doubles matches, to a certain extent, into a stage for showcasing our individual abilities."

……

the next day.

January 8, noon.

The sun is shining brightly.

The Orleans Stadium was packed to capacity.

The match between China and Japan is bound to generate buzz.

In addition, there's the allure of Chen Jin's undefeated aura.

This made the mixed doubles match the absolute focus of the event.

first round.

The course of the match completely confirmed the pre-match predictions.

Matsushima Teruaki and Harimoto Miwa got into the zone extremely quickly.

The two players moved in perfect unison.

The transitions are seamless and smooth.

Moreover, one on the left and one on the right, it is good for both offense and defense.

The key point is that both Matsushima Teru and Harimoto Miwa are already quite strong individually.

Taking advantage of the slight unfamiliarity between Chen Jin and Ye Sijia, the two repeatedly gained the upper hand in connecting and filling in gaps.

11: 5.

The Japanese team won the first game.

Break between games.

Ye Sijia pursed her lips, her eyes filled with resentment.

Chen Jin wiped his sweat, his gaze remaining calm.

"You played very well."

Xiao Zhan's voice was calm and powerful, showing no sign of panic despite losing the first game. "Although we lost, it's normal and entirely within our expectations. Don't feel any pressure."

"We tried it in the first game, and our teamwork was indeed not as good as our opponents'. It's never too late to mend our ways."

"Next game, let's change our tactics and play a more aggressive style."

"Keep an eye on Matsushima Teru, and use your individual skills to crush him!"

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia nodded in unison: "Understood."

The game continues.

The two resolutely carried out the tactics.

Both serving and receiving have seen an increase in the number of landing points and rhythm variations.

Once given the opportunity, Chen Jin acted decisively and ruthlessly.

Moreover, most of their offensive firepower was concentrated on Matsushima Teru.

Matsushima Teruaki was able to barely defend against Ye Sijia's attacks.

However, he was helpless against Chen Jinru's all-out attack, which was like a heavy cannon.

The score went back and forth.

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia, however, remained in the lead.

Matsushima Teru also realized that his opponent was deliberately targeting him.

But what can he do?
Defense?

This means being on the defensive, and losing is only a matter of time.

Fight back?

The more Chen Jin resisted, the more excited he became.

11: 8.

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia withstood the pressure and won back a point.

The score was now tied 1-1.

The game is over.

Matsushima Teru was expressionless, even carrying a hint of hostility.

He casually tossed the racket onto the table.

Ignoring Zhang Benmei, she took the towel, lowered her head, and walked off the field.

"..."

Zhang Benmei also felt quite helpless about this.

Fortunately, I'm already used to this partner and don't find it strange.

However, the referee was not as patient as Zhang Benmeiwa.

When Matsushima Teru threw his racket, the referee frowned and immediately pulled out a yellow card to warn him.

Matsushima Teruaki's already unhappy mood was further exacerbated.

"Hahaha……"

Xiao Zhan, who was watching from the sidelines, almost burst out laughing.

He said to Chen Jin and Ye Sijia, "The tactics worked, and you played very well."

"Matsushima Teruaki's mentality has started to break down."

"Moreover, our teamwork is much better than in the first game."

"In the next round, let's give Matsushima Teruhiro a little push, add fuel to the fire and ignite his mentality!"

The third round.

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia changed their serving and attacking strategies from the second game.

Strengthening control within the game is all about delicate touches and precise calculations.

By using techniques such as short pushes, long slices, and feints, Matsushima Teruhiro was forced to run left and right, allowing him to move a wide range of distances to hit the ball.

Matsushima Teru was exhausted from running around, and his steps began to become unsteady.

There has been a significant increase in errors while running.

He smashed away a half-high ball that presented a clear opportunity.

Matsushima Teruya jumped up and down a few times in frustration, his emotions almost written all over his face.

In contrast, Chen Jin and Ye Sijia...

With the lead in the score and the success of their tactics, the two players became more and more confident, and their teamwork became smoother and more fluid.

11: 7.

Another victory.

The score is 2-1.

"Choo-hoo!"

"Zhu--"

Xiao Zhan grinned, so excited he almost jumped up.

I thought this match would be a tough battle that went to five sets.

Now it seems victory is assured.

It was easier than I expected.

"Matsushima Teruya's mentality has completely collapsed, and our cooperation has been fully unleashed."

Xiao Zhan solemnly said, "Don't give them any chance to breathe. Go all out and fight them to the death."

The fourth game.

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia's teamwork has completely clicked.

Chen Jin's explosive charge was fierce and sharp, as heavy as a knife.

Ye Sijia's swing speed transitions are agile and swift, as light and nimble as a sword moving.

When swords and sabers are combined, their power is astonishing!

Despite Kishikawa Seiya's constant reminders, Matsushima Teru tried to pull himself together, but his mental collapse was irreversible, and he continued to make mistakes.

Despite her best efforts, Zhang Benmei was unable to withstand the relentless attacks of Chen Jin and Ye Sijia alone.

11: 5.

The score is 3-1.

The moment the match ended, Ye Sijia could hardly believe her eyes.

Overwhelmed with joy and the shock of releasing pressure, her eyes instantly welled up with tears that flowed uncontrollably.

"Zhu--"

Ye Sijia clenched her fists and roared at the audience.

After losing the first game, she was vaguely worried that she might be eliminated here today.

Unexpectedly, we actually won.

They defeated a formidable opponent who was considered far superior to them in teamwork before the match!
They advanced to the mixed doubles quarterfinals.

"Well played."

Chen Jin stepped forward, smiled, and gave Ye Sijia a high five.

"You too."

Ye Sijia wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, her face beaming with a radiant smile.

Back on the sidelines.

Xiao Zhan beamed with joy, patting Chen Jin and Ye Sijia on the shoulders, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and excitement.

“Great fight!”

Xiao Zhan smiled and said, "From you guys, I seem to see the potential of Sha Tou."

Wang Chuqin and Sun Yingsha, one on the left and one on the right, complement each other naturally.

Chen Jin and Ye Sijia, on the other hand, were working together on the right side, which made the task even more difficult.

Given time, their teamwork and power are so great that they might not lose to the Shatou duo.

"However, we must not let our guard down."

Xiao Zhan cautioned, "The upcoming matches will be increasingly tough and difficult, so be prepared for a grueling battle."

However, for Ye Sijia, the confidence gained from defeating the Japanese duo of Matsushima Teru and Harimoto Miwa, especially from turning the tide in adversity, is invaluable.

The previous anxiety and worry have been transformed into genuine confidence by the victory in this hard-fought battle.

"No matter who the opponent is, as long as Chen Jin is there, we can win."

Ye Sijia glanced at her powerful partner beside her, her eyes filled with determination.

(End of this chapter)